Today's text from the ESV Study Bible: Genesis 22-24
How are we to know that we truly fear God, and are willing to submit, trust, and obey?
It would seem that this only happens under the testing of our faith, and the removing of the dross from our metal.
If you force yourself to consider this narrative beyond merely a child's Bible story, it is likely that, as with our view of Job, we will find ourselves again aghast at what God has asked of one of his servants.
Abraham, as the patriarch of God's chosen, was tested in ways that we are not likely to be tested. However, we can observe his faith, ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand this scene, and be strengthened when we face our own appointed sacrifices.
Back in Genesis 12:1-3, God called Abram, told him of the plan he had for him, but the condition of the whole plan was that Abram would go. He needed to obey.
All throughout Abraham's life we can see various trials as he leaves his family to wander in a foreign land, his sins and struggles as he meets with various kings, laughing at God when he proclaims that this old man will bear a son with his barren wife, obeying God by asking that his son Ishmael leave, and before us here the greatest test as God asks Abraham to make this greatest of all sacrifices by offering up his only son.
How would God fulfill his promise of a nation if Abraham slays Isaac?
This man Abraham possesses a faith that we can all aspire too. Further, notice that it is God who is bringing this testing, where with Job, God was employing Satan.
God desires that we, through the reading of these texts, understand the nature of his character and who he is. We must learn that he is absolutely sovereign, he is Creator, and King of all. Further, this knowledge is worthless unless we then are willing to submit ourselves to his Kingship.
These are not lessons that are easily learned, nor are they likely to come overnight. However, as we read, and re-read these narratives, the Holy Spirit begins to create a new creature in us over time.
The great benefit to us is that when we face our inevitable trials, we can perhaps draw strength from these great men of faith, apply a portion of it to ourselves, and bring glory to God as we demonstrate our love, obedience, and submission to his Great Name.
As I was observing this scene again this morning, I needed an instructor. For that I called upon C.H. Spurgeon. Here is a most instructive sermon from C.H. Spurgeon, on this very topic of God's testing of Abraham's faith, entitled Abraham's Trial - A Lesson for Believers.
Please don't allow yourself to go forward without observing all that God would have you know of him.
Oh my soul, be honored by God's call, be ready to be taught, be ready to obey, be ready to surrender, be ready to be inspected, and rely on God's grace to provide the strength.
