Following the birth of Isaac and the departure of Ishmael, God put Abraham to a major test of faith. It was a different kind of test than Abraham previously had. Prior to this he was asked to go away from his extended family to a new land. But now God asked him to go to the mountains of Moriah (Gen. 22:1-2) and sacrifice his son. But Abraham had two sons. So God was very specific! “Your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love.” He was to sacrifice him as a burnt offering! Abraham knew what that would mean. A burnt offering is totally consumed and with nothing left but ashes!

“And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him”(v 3). Abraham was given general directions at this point with specifics yet to come. Note that Abraham obeyed the voice of God immediately. He also obeyed carefully and meticulously. True obedience is careful of detail and prompt. Note that God did not tell him WHEN to go. But when God speaks it is assumed that it is to be done right away!

On the 3rd day he reached the location. In Abraham’s mind Isaac was dead for three days! What went through his mind we will never know but we do know that he believed God would or could raise him up (Heb. 11:19). Accordingly, Abraham spoke to the young men and asked them to remain with the donkey while he and Isaac went up into the mountain. But then he added, “and we will return to you” (22:5). This was an extreme statement of faith. But even believing God would bring Isaac back, he still went ahead with his duties to sacrifice him (v. 6-7).

When Isaac asked where the lamb was for the sacrifice, Abraham prophetically replied, “God will provide for Himself a lamb, my son.” It must have been a lonely walk, just father and son, to the sacrificial place. It must have been a similar walk when Jesus Christ walked to the place of the cross with on the Father with Him!

There are times in life when obedience has to be solitary. No one can do our duties for us. So it was with Abraham.

But when Abraham was about to raise the knife on Isaac, the angel of the LORD spoke and stopped him. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac was considered as having done it. Abraham passed the test! (Gen.22: 10-12).

Then Abraham “lifted his eyes” (v. 13) and saw the substitute - what God had provided! Many times we fail to see what God has provided because we fail to lift our eyes. The answers to our trials and tests can be seen when we raise our eyes to see Him who was our substitute - on the cross!

Notice when anyone says Abraham’s name, his answer is always the same, “Here I am.” This is a good lesson in communication skills. First, when God wants our attention, He says our name first. Second, when Abraham heard his name he replied in a way to say, “I am here and ready to hear your words.” This is a good lesson for us in family communications.

Thus the angel of the LORD spoke and God swore by Himself since He could swear by no greater and stated that through Abraham’s seed all nations of the earth will be blessed because Abraham obeyed God! Paul wrote that the seed being referred to was Christ (Gal. 3:19). Further, if we are Christ’s then we are the descendents of Abraham and heirs according to the promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:29).

Tests make us stronger. Passing the test brings blessings and peace! Abraham’s obedience has blessed the whole world!

From David L. Antion, drdaveca@earthlink.net, www.guardian-ministries.org Subscribe to free monthly letters offering sermon tape without charge.