Genesis 22

Genesis 22 verses 1 - 14

This was a trying day for Abraham, a testing day for his faith.  When God tempted Abraham his purpose was to test him that he might lift him and set him on a higher plane.  God had blessed him with a son, his only son Isaac.  God had promised this son to Abraham and he had waited 20 years for him.  Now Isaac was fully grown and Abraham was told "Take him and place him on the altar and then take his life.  I want to see if you love the son more than you love me."  1 Corinthians 10 verse 11.

An understanding Abraham had.  Abraham had an understanding of the word of God.  He was called "the Friend of God" (James 2 verse 23).  Abraham simply believed God, believed what God said, applied it to his life and became a friend of God.  Abraham was accustomed to hearing the voice of God.  When God called Abraham out of Ur he stopped at Haran.  God did speak again and Abraham moved on with God.  Then there was a strife between him and his nephew Lot.  He had to separate from Lot.  Now Abraham faced a bigger challenge - did he love God more than Isaac?  Abraham loved Isaac with all his heart, now God wanted to see if he loved the blessing of Isaac rather than God himself.

The urgency with which he acted - verse 3 "and Abraham rose up early in the morning."  Abraham was equipped and ready to move and he didn`t waste a moment.  When God`s word is preached and it comes right into our hearts do we have the urgency to do what God wants us to do?

An unfailing trust that Abraham had.  We need to give our Isaac`s to God and let him do what he would want to do with them.
An unmistakable answer.  Abraham heard God speaking to him just as he raised the knife.  When God tests he gives a way of escape.  Is God asking something of you?