“God tested Abraham” Genesis 22:1
In universities everywhere, mid-May brings late-night study sessions, caffeine-fueled writing binges, and ulcer-inducing stress as students are preparing for final exams—those critically important tests to determine how well the student has learned the lessons of the semester.
Let’s look at a familiar incident in the life of Abraham through that lens.
Genesis 22 begins by saying, “God tested Abraham.” In other words, it’s like Abraham’s big exam. And what is the test? God is about to test Abraham’s allegiance to the one true God in a most stressful way.
So let’s review: God called out Abraham to the city of Ur. Ur was an advanced culture and a highly sophisticated town, but it was rampant with idolatry. When God passed out this test to Abraham, Abraham was wandering through Canaan—yet another pagan, idolatrous region. And keep in mind that in pagan idolatry, the highest demonstration of loyalty to one’s god was to offer—you guessed it—your children as a sacrifice.
With that in mind, look back at Genesis 22:1. The text actually says that it is the God who tests Abraham. This is in contrast to those lifeless forms of wood and stone that were the idols of the pagan Canaanites. And it’s the one true God who comes to Abraham and gives him the following test.
Would the loyalty and allegiance of Abraham to the genuine Creator God match the misplaced loyalty and devotion of the surrounding nations to their false idols? The test is simple yet very demanding: “Abraham,” God says, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love . . . and sacrifice him.”
That’s the test, plain and simple. It’s a pass/fail exam with no room for grading on the curve. If Abraham obeys, demonstrating his allegiance, loyalty, and trust in the promises of God, he passes the test. If he refuses, he retains control over his son’s destiny, but fails to demonstrate his commitment to following God no matter what the cost.
Well, we know the rest of the story. In fact, it’s amplified and explained beautifully in the book of Hebrews where the writer explains that Abraham by faith obeyed, reckoning that even if Isaac died, God could raise him from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19).
So what does Abraham’s test have to do with us? While God won’t ask you to literally sacrifice a child on an altar, He does often require the things in your life that are precious to you. Think about it. Isaac was God’s gift to Abraham. All of God’s promises were wrapped up in that miracle child. How easy it would have been for Abraham to love Isaac more than he loved God. Or to put it another way, to love the gift more than the Giver! The test may be the same for you. God always wants to know that nothing in your life is more important or more valuable than your relationship to Him. It may even be a sinful pattern that for some reason provides temporary kicks, comfort, or security. Do you love Him more than the sin in your life?
If by faith you can believe with Abraham that when God takes something from you, God will give something back in even better terms, then you will pass the test and give Him all He demands and all He desires. Whether it’s your money, your possessions, your career, your dreams, or even your children to His service—everything we give to Him is an opportunity to pass the test and in worship prove to Him that nothing in our lives is of greater value than His friendship and fellowship.
As you face the tests of this week, know that your Tester loves you deeply and is ready to help you pass, like Abraham, with flying colors!
YOUR JOURNEY…
What tests are you currently facing?
James 1:2-4 also addresses the issue of tests. Based on this passage, what is God testing and why?
If you’re one of those people who has always dreaded taking exams, ask the Lord to change your perspective about His tests. Think through the reasons that He wants to test you, and trust Him to supply the courage and faith you need to pass the exam in a way that glorifies Him.
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3 comments:
James 1:2-4 (NASB) Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
A well written post. An obvious head one, I should add, but one that does not make it all the easier. But the correct conclusion nonetheless. Apart from where we tie our treasure, in the Giver or the gift, is the notion of faith. How much faith do I have that the living God has the best intention for me. This in a sense, ties back to having the "faith of a child" who does not question their father.
Interestingly, the verse you refer to, in James, talks about endurance as opposed to a straight pass/fail exam of Abraham. In fact, ending as it does, "And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. " seems to imply a process.
God's testing sometimes is difficult but as in James, it calls us to "consider it all joy" which deals, I believe with the restedness in Christ independent of the circumstances.
But you are right, there are numerous examples in the Bible which call us into obedience.
I pray that you and I will be able to walk that walk in obedience.
Great post.
Dear Alex and Jo,
I am a Singaporean currently studying in New Zealand. I hope you don't mind me reading your blog, I accidentally found it while researching something on google. But I would like to say thank you, because your blog has been a great source of encouragement to me.
My mother was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in December last year and had a stem cell transplant last month. However, I just got the bad news today that she has had a relapse, barely a month after her transplant.
Reading your blog brings tears to my eyes, because I am just so touched by your strong faith in God, your positive attitude, and the joy you both have regardless of your circumstances.
Another reason why you both have been such an encouragement to me is because I feel that we are quite similar in a few ways. My mother is also in the Singapore General Hospital (different ward though-Ward 72, and she will have to go back for chemotherapy tomorrow because of the relapse..)and we are also a christian family who are really trying to draw strength from the Lord during this difficult time.
I will be having exams soon too, and I am struggling with the workload and at the same time, worrying for my mum. It's even harder that I am so far away from her. But thanks for this post, "exam time". Another great encouragement to me.
I would just like to say thank you. And would like to let you know that another person is praying for you all the way from New Zealand. Do continue to shine for the Lord and bless others just as you have blessed me. May God bless you, Alex and Jo.
With love,
Josephine
Dear Josephine, this Blog was initially meant as a convenient means of updating friends, relatives and fellow prayer warriors on Jo's situation...but as time progressed in barely a year, we've seen many others whom have visited, prayed and followed along with us on our Journey. And really I thank God that He had brought you to our blog, because that was His purpose...for you to be encouraged, comforted and confident that we have a God that is truly all compassionate and LOVES US infinitely! Just read Romans 8:38-39! I know how very difficult it is for you, but you need to hang in there, especially for your mum. Joanne & myself will keep her in our daily prayers and if you need any sort of help, please let us know how we can help. You can email me: alexseow@singnet.com.sg May the Lord calm your anxious heart and give you the peace of mind that He is there for them. God Bless sister.
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