READ Gen 22:1-19
In our series, we have learned how Abraham became the father of all who have faith, an example referenced in all of Scripture. The answer is through many tests, but what we have in this passage is not just any test but his final, cumulative exam. As one scholar noted, “No other story in the Bible can match such haunting beauty and theological depth.” God wants us to be shocked by this story to better understand that true and living faith has less to do with us and more with Him.
1. The Shocking Test
Abraham has been through a lot, and “after all these things” (v1), he finally received all that he had hoped for, an heir in his son Isaac. In Isaac are Abraham’s life, meaning, and hope for the future of the promise. Then God tests him in an almost incomprehensible way: to offer up Isaac as a burnt offering (v2). Why? How? As difficult as this is to grasp, we must first step back to why God tests. Just as an academic test reveals what is true in our minds, a spiritual test reveals what is true in our souls. A test is meant to reveal and refine our faith so that we might become more mature.
It seems cruel, barbaric, and even terrible of God to put Abraham through a test like this. Yet, the shocking reality is that if the object of our faith really does matter and everything else will one day be taken from us, then there is nothing more loving and good for God to do than to ensure our faith is in Him. God will not allow his gifts to become our gods. No matter how shocking it is, God asks us to offer up and let go of those things we cling to so much and trust in to give us the future we want.
2. The Shocking Response
We don’t know what Abraham was thinking right away because he woke up early without delay in setting out to obey God (v.3). The following verses move much slower as they capture his journey with Isaac, moment by moment, up until he is right about to slaughter his son. Abraham trusted God and obeyed, but it was not blind faith, grit, or duty as if “God says it, and that settles it!”
What was in Abraham’s heart? How did he do it? During the journey, Abraham tells others that “we’ll” come back, referring to Isaac (v. 5). Hebrews 12:19 also reveals that he “considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead.” Abraham “considered” that the promise of God would not contradict the command of God, even if that meant raising the dead. He had genuine faith that God would provide, no matter what (v.8). This is the difference between dead and living faith. Empty faith says, “I believe,” but never offers anything up. Living faith says, “If it dies, God will raise up something better.
3. The Shocking Result
The shocking result is that God never wanted Isaac to be offered up. He wanted to show Abraham Isaac that he would provide the offering. The main point of this passage is not about what “Isaac” you need to give up; it is about God becoming for us “the Lord will provide.” This promise should dwell in the deepest part of our soul, as it surely did for Abraham, who displayed genuine faith in a trial. No matter how shocking the situation, God will see that his promise is fulfilled to those who place their faith in Him.
For the blessing to be received and come to all the nations, there had to be an offering to cover sin and unbelief that stood in the way. The Gospel is founded upon the God who promises: “I will provide.” God gave up his beloved Son, who was offered up in our place. He was called the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. He carried the wood of his own suffering up the mountain and silently obeyed his father. If God has done this, do we have any reason not to trust him? Romans 8:32 reminds us of a beautiful promise: “He who did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, How will he not also with him grant us everything?”
QUESTIONS
What about the sermon most impacted you or left you with questions?
Why does God test us? Have you wrestled with this in your life? How does testing our faith bring maturity? What do tests reveal about us? about God?
What are some examples of things people place their trust in and won’t let go of? Is there something in your life of which you say to God - “no not that, I can’t give that up!”
Have you experienced the tension between God’s promise (of life, grace, strength, abundance” and God’s command (that seems to lead to death, emptiness, weakness and suffering)? How does Hebrews 11:19 help us see how Abraham trusted God in this situation?
What have you given up and allowed to die as a result of your trust in Jesus? If it’s hard to think of something - what do you think God is calling you now to give up and allow to die as result of trusting obedience to Jesus?
Why is it so difficult to believe that God will provide? How does the gospel assure us - even against all odds - he will?
Meditate on Romans 8:32 and pray together about what areas in your life you may still resist to believe the promise in this verse. What is holding you back from trusting that “God will provide?” Why?