Abraham's Faith Tested

Abraham faith was tested again when God told him to offer Isaac - the covenant child as a sacrifice to Him. He neither questioned God nor hesitated to do according to His command. He believed God knew the best and would not put the man of His heart to shame. Abraham faith demonstrated our need to keep faith and stand stronger when we are tested. Hebrews 11:17 - By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that has received the promises offer up his only beggotten son.  The followings are discussed: Sacrifice Commanded by God; Obedience to God Displayed, and Obedience to God rewarded.

Sacrifice Commanded by God: God's promise was fulfilled with the birth of Isaac when Abraham was one hundred years and Sarah was ninety years old (Genesis 21:1-7). His birth was not the final miracle, it was just the beginning of God's plan to bless nations and bring salvation to people. Isaac means 'I laugh' and was derived from Abraham's and Sarah's responses to God's promise. The laughter signified their disbelief of possibility of giving birth to a child at their old age. God brought what seemed impossible to reality.

God tested Abraham's faith when he was asked to take Isaac to the land of Moriah and offer him for a burnt offering (Genesis 22:1-2). Isaac response and cooperation portrayed him as the beloved son God promised Abraham. Abraham was called out of the land where human sacrifice to gods was practiced, so the call to sacrifice Isaac could not have been strange to him.

Obedience to God displayed: Without questioning God or asking others for advice Abraham embarked on the long journey to Moriah for the sacrificial offering. On the mountain Isaac asked about the sacrifice, but Abraham said, 'God will provide'. He had no clear answer but he believed God would do the best( Genesis 22:3-8 ). If we keep faith in God he has the power to turn the situation around for our good. He is able to perform what He promised (Romans 4:21).

Abraham's unwavering faith encouraged him to embark on sacrificing Isaac without hesitation (Genesis 22:9-10). Without questioning his father Isaac willingly surrendered to be offered for a sacrifice. Isaac's acted like Christ who willingly surrendered his life as a sacrificial offering for all. Isaac was the fulfilment of God's covenant to bless nations of the world (Genesis 21:12; Romans 9:6-7).

Obedience to God Rewarded: As Abraham was about to draw knife through Isaac throat God's angel called out to him to stop (Genesis 22:11-14). God provided a ram for replacement of Isaac. God rewards obedience and unwavering trust in Him. It is by faith we can see God as the loving and caring Father and the One who knows and can meet our needs.

God provided ram and reaffirmed His covenant that Abraham would be a great nation, and through his descendants nations of the world would be blessed (Genesis 22:15-19). Just as Abraham was greatly rewarded, we can be rewarded if we continue in faith and obedience. God's greatest reward is eternal life through of Christ. Lesson texts: Genesis 21:1-7; 22:1-19.