Genesis 22:1-14 (2)

It has been several years since the birth of Isaac.  The matter of sending Hagar and Ishmael away followed almost immedia.  Abraham has expressed faith in God’s faithfulness with the tree in Beersheba.  Perhaps Abraham is thinking that the hard issues of faith are now over.  In this time of rest God comes to test the man of faith.

You may wonder why God would ask Abraham to give up his son, to offer him as a sacrifice.  Consider these reasons.

·  The test of faith had to involve that which was most precious to Abraham.  Nothing was more precious to him than Isaac.  Abraham must be at the place where he desires no one but God (Psalm 73:25-26).  Abraham knows God’s promise.  Because of that he speaks with assurance to Isaac “God will provide for Himself the lamb.”  Abraham knows Isaac is the fulfillment of God’s promise; thus he concludes that, if necessary, God will raise Isaac from the dead (Heb. 11:17-19).

·  The test of faith is to be a divine type (illustration) of the sacrifice of God’s only begotten Son.  Like God, Abraham is asked to give up his only son whom he loves.  In everything but that actual death, Isaac is a picture of Christ.  When the Lamb is substituted for Isaac at the last moment we most clearly see our Substitute.

·  The bottom line is that the test of faith is commanded by God.  He is sovereign and in that regard does not need to explain His commands. When God calls us to be living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1) He means it.  Countless times throughout the age of the Church God’s people have died in faith, entrusting themselves into the care of God, as did our Lord Himself (Luke 23:46; 1 Peter 4:19).

Do you not marvel at the fullness of Abraham’s faith?  Abraham did not delay, arising early to obey the Lord (v3).  He assured his servants “we” will come back to you (v5).  Likewise he assured Isaac that God would provide (v8).  Twice in submission he responds, “Here I am” (v1, 11).  His faith is expressed yet again by ascribing to God a marvelous name, Jehovah Jireh, The Lord Will Provide.

This story does not promote human sacrifice; rather it proves that no sacrifice, whether human or animal, will provide salvation except the one that God provides.  That sacrifice is His only beloved Son, the perfect Lamb of God.