Here are two questions for a Christian to ask themselves. First, is your love for God stronger than your love for any other object in your life, including other people? Second, are you willing to obey God, even if He asks you to do something that is very challenging, something that you really wouldn’t want to do? These were two questions Abraham faced that we will read about in our Scripture passage for today. Abraham faced one of the greatest tests that anyone was ever asked to face. Let’s take a look and see what it was, how he came through it, and whether he passed the test or not.
Isaac was the son that Abraham and his wife had waited many, many years for. He was their much beloved pride and joy. He was the son that God had spoken of and promised them, and was so dear to Abraham’s heart. Abraham loved the Lord God with all of his heart, and he also dearly loved Isaac. How strong, though, was Abraham’s love for God, and how deep was his faith? Would it come through the fire of a test stronger, or would it crumble and fail? God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac to Him (vs. 1-2). The test was whether Abraham loved God enough that he would give his son Isaac, the son of the promise, back to Him, or refuse, clinging and holding on to him. Would Abraham obey what God asked, or say no?
This was not a temptation by God of Abraham. God does not tempt us (James 1:13). Rather, it was God examining Abraham’s heart, how faithful, trusting, and obedient he was. The purpose of this test was not to satisfy God’s curiosity. It was to settle any question in Abraham’s or anyone else’s mind about the depth of his faith. In the past, Abraham had lied twice to save his own skin. He had also tried to fulfill God’s promise through his wife’s maid. Now Abraham could know for himself the depth of his faith, as would Isaac, and also the rest of the world, down through history to us today. This test showed Abraham and everyone that he loved God more than His gift.
When Abraham heard God’s command, he immediately got his son Isaac and two of his servants, and set out to do what God had asked (vs. 3-5). Abraham obeyed without wavering, reluctance, or delay. Though his faith was being tested, Abraham knew and believed three things. He knew that Isaac was the vehicle of God’s promise, so Isaac must live. He knew that God keeps His promises. Lastly, Abraham knew that God is all powerful, even over death (Hebrews 11:17-19). Because he truly believed these three things, he could confidently assure his servants of his and Isaac’s return (vs. 5). Abraham was so confident in the permanence of God’s promise, that he believed if Isaac were to be killed, God would raise him from the dead, or that God would provide him with a substitute for Isaac upon the mount (vs. 7-8).
God did not really want Isaac to be a human sacrifice, as He condemned such pagan practices (Leviticus 20:1-5). He wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart, so it would be clear that he loved God more than he loved his promised and long-awaited son. When God saw that Abraham was willing to obey without question, argument, or delay, He stepped in and provided the sacrifice for him (vs. 12-13). When we give to God what He asks, He returns to us far more than we could dream. God will always provide exactly what we need, when we need it. When we obey Him, the Lord assumes full responsibility for our needs. He provided the ram for Abraham.
In addition to showing us the depth of love, obedience and faith of Abraham, this is also a picture of substitutionary atonement that finds its fulfillment in the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Just as God provided Abraham with a ram, He provided the Lamb for the forgiveness of our sins in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son, Isaac. God did not spare His own Son, Jesus, from dying on the cross. There was no last-minute reprieve for Jesus. He suffered and died for our sins. However, the hope that Abraham had that his son would be resurrected, came true for Jesus.
In conclusion, we must ask ourselves how deep and strong is our love for God, and how willing are we to obey Him. Are we willing to give up what we treasure most for Him? Will we lay it on the altar of sacrifice? God gave His best for us, His beloved Son Jesus, to die for us? Will we truly give Him our heart of love and obedience?
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