Read: Genesis 22
In this
chapter we find God putting Abraham to the ultimate test (v. 1). The conditional promise which was given in
Genesis 12:1-3 would be guaranteed if Abraham passed the test. The death of Isaac would contradict everything
that God had promised Abraham. Would
Abraham obey? Does he fully believe in
the promise that God gave him? He had
failed before therefore Ishmael was born and now was lost to him. Now God commands Abraham to take the son of
the promise, his beloved son and offer him as a burnt offering (v. 2). Abraham promptly obeys, gathers his supplies
and begins on the journey to Moriah (v. 3).
It is commonly believed that the mountain upon which Abraham offered up
Isaac is the exact same mountain on which God offered up His Son, Jesus, to be
the substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of the world. On the third day they arrived. This number is significant because of
Christ’s rising from the dead on the third day.
Abraham and Isaac then leave the servants behind as they go to worship
the Lord. Isaac carries the wood for the
offering and Abraham carries the knife and fire (v. 6). Did you notice how Abraham said, “and come again to you” to his
servants? Hebrews 11:17-19 gives us
further insight into this incident: 17 By
faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He
who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, “It is
through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 19 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise
the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from
death. Abraham went fully prepared to offer his son,
and yet confidently expecting to have him restored to life again. Isaac, questions, “where is the lamb” (v. 7)?
Abraham replies, “God will provide”
(v. 8). If Abraham had any doubt that
God would not miraculously intervene in some way the binding and placing of his
son on the altar would have been agonizing.
Abraham raises the knife. But God
intervenes! Abraham’s action confirms
his faith and obedience to God. His
faith is now active, it is complete. God
provides a ram to be sacrificed as a burnt offering instead of Isaac (v. 13)
and Abraham offers it up as a burnt offering.
The place was called Jehovah-Jireh (v. 14), the Lord will
provide!
The angel of
the Lord then calls to Abraham a second time (v. 15) and in the most solemn
manner Abraham is assured of the promise that God made with him back in Genesis
12:1-3. The Lord blesses Abraham by
promising him many descendants (v. 17) and also by promising that one
particular seed shall possess the gate of his enemies and through him all the
nations of the earth would be blessed (v. 18).
Here we see that once again Genesis is interested in tracking a single
unique line of offspring that will eventually lead to the Messiah, Jesus
Christ.
Abraham then
returns and dwells at Beersheba (v. 19).
He is told that his brother Nahor has eight children by his wife Milcah
(v. 20). We are given their names in
verses 21-23 as well as told of the children by his brother’s concubine Reumah
(v. 24). The reference to Rebekah shows
the significance of this mini-section of genealogies. God is further preparing the line of Abraham
by a suitable spouse for Isaac.
Prayer and Journaling
1. This
test shows that Abraham now fully believes in the promise of the covenant. He is no longer doing things his own way
(think Hagar and Ishmael) and he is no longer full of fear (think lying to
Abimelech). Abraham is no longer
thinking naturally. He now sees that God
can intervene supernaturally (see Heb. 11:17-19)!!! Over the years Abraham has grown in trusting
God. He isn’t doubting anymore, He isn’t
fixing the problem himself, he isn’t lying either. Abraham is obeying! He had experienced many failures but God
continued to mold his character so that he would pass the final test, when it
mattered most. Thank God for the
ordinary people in the Scriptures who help teach us about spiritual growth and
maturity. Thank Him for the patience and
love that He has for His children and that He doesn’t give up on us but rather
picks us up and encourages us to press on!
Pray that you would grow in sensing these aspects of God’s character.
2. Is
there a promise that God has given you that requires a step of faith or
obedience? Ask the Lord to show you what
that step is. Or, ask Him for a promise
and then for a step of faith or obedience that you can take.
3. Worship
God! He grew Abraham into maturity even
though it took many years! He’ll do that
for you too – if you let Him. If you
choose to follow Him and if you choose to endure and press on. Ask Him to show you the work of
transformation that He has done in your life so far. Thank Him for this transformation. Pray that you would continue to seek Him and
follow Him. Pray for endurance.
