A Great Test of Love

28 A Great Test of Love Long ago, there lived a good man. He loved his creator very much and always tried to do as his creator asked. He desired only to please God. This man's name was Abraham. He was a great leader of his people, and well respected by all. Abraham was blessed with many children and loved them with all his heart. His oldest son, Isaac, was a special boy. And Abraham loved him dearly. But Abraham's love was to be put to a test. Would he obey his creator even when asked to do the hardest thing that could be asked of a father? One day, God came to test him to see how strong his love was. “ I want you to sacrifice your son Isaac for me, " said God. “ You want me to kill my only son as an offering to you?" cried Abraham. But he loved God and trusted in his wisdom. So, he agreed to do as commanded and set out with his son and servants.

They walked for three days, arriving at the mountain where God had told him to build a stone altar and sacrifice Isaac. Abraham and Isaac went alone to the mountaintop and built a stone altar. Then, with great sadness, the old man tied his dear son to the altar and raised a knife above his son, preparing to kill him as he had been commanded. Just as he was about to plunge the knife into his son's heart, a voice came and told him to stop. “ You have proved your love for God, " said the voice. “ There is no need now to kill your son. You are worthy and great among your people. " Abraham was overjoyed. He untied his son and hugged him. With great joy, they returned to the people. Such was the love of Abraham for his creator. His trust in God's wisdom did not fail him even in this, the hardest thing a father can ever be asked to do.