Genesis 22:1-2 "After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”
Scripture says God tested Abraham. What does that mean? Why would God, who knows everything, need to test a man? Since God knows our hearts, the test would not be for God to know the faith of Abraham, it would be for Abraham to know the genuineness of the faith he proclaimed in God.
It is one thing to say you have faith, but Scripture says faith without works is dead (James 2:17); meaning there is evidence of your faith in your behavior.
The test was a serious test. God told Abraham to take his only son, whom he loved, and offer him as a burnt offering. This is the son Abraham longed for and was the faithful promise of God. Would his devotion and faith still be to the God who miraculously provided Isaac, or would Abraham’s love for his son be greater?
What do we call something that steals our love and devotion from God? An idol.
The test is also a test for idols! "Abraham, is there anything, or anyone, that you love more than me?"
Perhaps God is using the passage to test you and me today. What or who do you love more than God?
While you may provide a "church" answer, how does your life answer that question?
What/who encroaches on your time in prayer, time in the Word or service to God?
(Relationships, gaming systems, work, family, tv, computer, self - other suggestions?)
The command to Abraham is relevant to you and me today. We must re-prioritize whatever is coming before God; and ensure God is sitting on the throne of our lives. He is the One who died in your place to do what you could not do so you may be reconciled to God. He is worthy of your devotion, loyalty, trust, love and obedience.
"Take your __________, that you love, and surrender it to me as an offering."
Abraham stepped out in obedience and God was glorified. What will you do today?
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