THE FAITH TEST November 21/22 2015 Lesson Passage: Genesis 22:1-14 Charles Lyons, Ph.D. THE INTRODUCTION To appreciate the power and purpose of what is about to happen in this passage, look back at the preceding passages. (TEACHERS, briefly recap the highlights of Genesis 19-21.) God sends angels to Lot in Sodom to deliver his family from God s judgement on the city and then destroy the city. Lot s wife looks back to the city of Sodom and is turned to salt in punishment. Meanwhile, Abraham looks out in the distance towards Sodom and can see the smoke coming up from the city. Lot then has incest with his daughters and two sons are born from this act, Moab and Benammi. These children produce the Moabites and the Ammonites who become two of Israel s great enemies. Abraham travels to Gerar, meets Abimelech, and then lies about Sarah being his sister not his wife. God protects Abimelech from sin when the situation happens by Abraham s lie. In chapter 21, Abraham and Sarah have their son Isaac. Abraham is 100 years old at this point. The same day that Isaac is weaned Sarah sees the son of Hagar, the Egyptian, Ishmael. Sarah wants Hagar and her son gone. God works in the life of Hagar to protect both Hagar and her son. Amidst all of this family stress and trauma, Abraham, the friend of God remains blessed of God. Will he stay focused on God or will he become distracted by the blessings of his life? God will now clarify Abraham s commitment or trust. This is a wonderful clarification of what we know as faith. 1. The Parameters Of The Test Genesis 22:1-2 God does not lightly select simple phrases or words. Usually, such phrases contain a message of impact. Our first verse opens with the implication that something of significance has previously happened. Referring to the things that have previously happened indicates that what is about to happen has a foundation or starting point in the past. The testing that Abraham was about to face had significance, was not by chance or the whim of God but had a definitive purpose. Suggest to the class to think back for a moment in their life when they felt they had gone through testing. It is very healthy to reflect on the lessons learned from a test. However, can we look back and see the moments that led up to the test? Can they reflect and see God s hand at the moment such as: A. What people were present that were new friends or contacts? B. What places were introduced that were unique, a new location or revisiting a place from your past? C. What people or resources were removed from your life? D. What spiritual mentors were in your life or introduced to your life at that time?
Another significant expression or phrase used here is the concept that God tempted Abraham. Does God tempt us? Does that seem in harmony with the character of God? Does it make sense that the God who does not want us to tempt (Exodus 17:12, Deuteronomy 6:16 and Psalms 78:56,) would then turn and tempt Abraham? The answer, of course, is no. A better understanding of the term is in order. We think of the term tempt as in the sense of temptation. It implies we think God would try to make Abraham sin or at best stumble. In reality, the expression here is tempt or assay, it is the way a professional working with precious metals would heat and test the material to determine the quality or strength of the metal. When a metal we want is determined to be of great strength, we are not upset with the person who tested the metal. Instead, we are pleased with the results. How is God in response to the determination of our spiritual strength when we have been tried and tested? It is also important to remember that at this point in Abraham s life, 100 years or older, that he has only one child by Sarah. Despite this, God still calls him Abraham, which means means the father of a multitude. It is good to remember that God sees us as what we can become not as how the world sees us. God then instructs Abraham (Genesis 22:2) to take his son, Isaac, to go to the land of Moriah and offer the child up as a burnt offering. God is very specific; he identifies Isaac not just as Abraham s son but also as the son that he loves. It is not because of the sheer volume of children that Abraham has that this distinction referenced by God. It is because God is reminding Abraham that He realizes how important and significant this child is to Abraham. Remember that the first born in the home of that day had special significance. This is his heir. Moriah the land referred to means chosen by Jehovah. It is here on the eastern edge of Jerusalem where Solomon built the temple. This location is significant because it is chosen, that is to say this is no accident. Take a moment and remind the class that God has special places for each of us. Moments in our lives where we draw closer to Him. Moments and places that are not chance happenings but opportunities where our faith and trust in God are more highly focused. 2. The Commitment To The Test Genesis 22:3-4 In verses 3 and 4 we see that Abraham is committed to the test that is before him. He does not doubt God; he is trusting God. He begins his task early and is prepared to obey and honor God. We should demonstrate such commitment to God. Even when we are troubled or moving forward in our life when we don t understand everything God is doing, we need to move out in faith. Consider Proverbs 8:17 and the importance of starting with God first thing early in the morning. November 21/22 Page 2
Abraham begins his preparation with his son Isaac and two of his servants. This is necessary due to the complexity of the process. He is breaking up wood to an appropriate size to make a sacrificial fire and making this journey. We see from this that there is both order and organization in serving God. From verse four we see that there was the distance that had to be traveled to be obedient in making this sacrifice to God. It is not until the third day that he sees the location in the distance. Serving God often means that you will be moved beyond your comfort zone. We can always find excuses, but faith requires obedient actions. Suggest and ask for the class to identify the numerous ways we can compromise our obedience. Abraham could have done his sacrifice locally, or perhaps only one day s journey out. The difference in the distance was obedient faith. Is worship at home on Sunday morning watching a religious program as faithful as being in the service? Consider Hebrews 10:25 and 2 Kings 5:10. 3. The Beginning Of The Test Genesis 22:5-7 When Abraham arrives at the location of the test, he immediately separates the servants he has brought from Isaac and himself. Now that it is time for the actual sacrifice, it is for just the two of them. This is still true today. There are times when we are going to be alone with God and perhaps only those immediately involved when our faith is tested. Powerful moments with God are rarely done in the midst of a crowd, these faith moments are often solitary moments. Note that the reference to fire reminds us that the fire and the knife were transported to the location. Resources come into play when we are in the service of God. It can seem mundane and unimportant; however, the sacrifice would not take place without the mundane resources necessary to complete the task. Review some of the behind the scenes kind of events that happen each week to make church happen here at Second. Perhaps review some of the activities the class will be a part of for Angels of Light and other holiday programs that by themselves are not the event but so very necessary for their success! Isaac is observant, and has a stake in the day s activities. He asks the obvious question, where is the lamb? The burnt offering is the offering to be totally consumed; the blood would be shed of a spotless lamb. Normally, much preparation or lead-time was needed in the selection of this offering. Aside from the obvious, it is an important side note that Abraham and Sarah regarding the offering process had instructed Isaac. Isaac s religious training was evident. How evident is ours and in our homes? November 21/22 Page 3
4. The Confidence In The Instructor Genesis 22:8-10 What follows in these few verses on the one hand clearly lay out the process of preparation. We see Abraham and Isaac move to the specific location. We see them prepare everything. We observe an obedient son, even unto death, being bound and placed on the altar to be sacrificed. However, the most powerful act of trust in this passage is found not in the laying of Isaac on the altar but in the one simple powerful expression found in verse eight. Abraham instructs his son Isaac that God will provide the lamb! With this confidence, Abraham takes the knife and is prepared to sacrifice his son. 5. The Passing Of The Test Genesis 22:11-14 In verses 11 and 12 we see that at the moment that Abraham s faith was confirmed and certified, he was willing to serve regardless, God calls out from heaven for Abraham to stop. Much like a student receiving a diploma God declares to Abraham that He has passed the test! God is aware that Abraham honors and will not hold anything back from Him. In an instant after this, Abraham who was so focused on what he was about to do, looks up and sees the offering ready to be sacrificed. The ram is taken, prepared and offered up as an offering. Amidst all that was happening, do not lose sight of the fact that although Abraham s faith had been proved the need of an offering had not gone away. By way of application, we should note that after a time of testing is not the time to lose sight of our spiritual obligations. We may have a victory over a temptation or big decision about a relocation or even a change in our workplace or home is resolved. However, that does not mean we go on vacation and celebrate. We still continue forward and serve God, remember obedience does not stop after the test is over. Abraham called the place of this mount, Jehovah jireh, which means Jehovah sees. Abraham had faith, and he was aware that God saw this truth in him. CONCLUSION As Christians, we face trials and difficulties throughout our lives. Some are simple difficulties; however, some of these are genuine testing times that prove our faith and the quality of our trust in God. Such times of testing become easier when we like Abraham start with one initial decision, God will provide. W.B. Stevens wrote a song that has been encouraging saints since 1911. The message begins with the thought that we as believers face trials that others seem to escape. Yet he finishes with the confidence that God will not only sustain us but that we will understand such matters latter when we are farther along. Consider these words: November 21/22 Page 4
Farther Along by W.B. Stevens Tempted and tried, we re oft made to wonder Why it should be thus all the day long; While there are others living about us, Never molested, though in the wrong. Sometimes I wonder why I must suffer, Go in the rain, the cold, and the snow, When there are many living in comfort, Giving no heed to all I can do. Tempted and tried, how often we question Why we must suffer year after year, Being accused by those of our loved ones, E en though we ve walked in God s holy fear. Farther along we ll know more about it, Farther along we ll understand why; Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine, We ll understand it all by and by. November 21/22 Page 5