Do you agree with the following statement: 'God doesn't make it easy to live as a Christian'? But then a good teacher doesn't make it easy for a good student. A successful coach doesn't make it easy for his players. Both the teacher and the coach know it is the results which count. In the same way God seeks only our good. His desire is to see us grow in Christ. Even so, His 'proving ground' or classrooms are not always comfortable places, are they? How old was Isaac when this test took place? We have no idea - we only know he was 40 when he married Rebekah. 'God tested Abraham.' (v.1) Satan tempts us to pull us down. God allows tests to build up our faith. Yet there seems very little reason for God's strange command (v.2) to sacrifice Isaac. The Genesis record gives us no insight into Abraham's feelings or thoughts at that time. We are not even told if his wife Sarah knew what he was about to do. However, if you read carefully the details, you will see Abraham's incredible faith coming through. Look at verse 5 and his words to the servants, 'We will worship, then we will come back to you.' Hebrews 11:17-19 clearly indicates that Abraham believed God could raise up Isaac from the dead and still fulfill His plans. Notice also the conversation between the father and the son. They went together to the sacrificial spot. A greater Father and a greater Son went to Calvary together. There was a substitution for Isaac. There was none for Christ. He was the substitute for us and for our sin. Look too at the words of verse 17 and 18. Reverse their order and take them to yourself. 'Because you have obeyed me, I will surely bless you.' That principle still holds good. Blessing always follows obedience. REMEMBER GOD'S PLAN: Faith should always grow under testing. |
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