The God Who Tests

After these things, God tested Abraham

Genesis 22:1a

Abraham was living a mountaintop experience. God had given him peace in his home (Hagar and Ishmael moved away).He had provided peace in the land (covenant with Abimelech regarding a well), and had fulfilled the promise of giving him an heir. But then scripture says, God tested Abraham (Genesis 22:1a).

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love -Isaac- and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you,” (Gen. 22:2).

Now, if God unmistakably told you to sacrifice your long-awaited, only son, what would you do? I imagine my conversation might go something like this: Wait, what? Did I hear you correctly? You want me to do what? But Lord, isn’t this child the fulfilment of the promise? We waited 25 years after the promise, and now You want me to sacrifice him? I’m not sure I can do that. I think I need to find a piece of fleece to set out.

I imagine you’re right there with me on this one.

As I studied this, Abraham’s response struck me. He obeyed immediately, without questioning, arguing, or requiring more detail. This was not a simple directive such as move your tent from here to there. It was a command to give his only son back to God. Without hesitation, Abraham got up and loaded his donkey with the wood he cut. Then he set out with Isaac and two of his servants.

How often have I obeyed, as Abraham did, when God told me to do something? Not as frequently as I’d like to say, I’m afraid. There have been many times God gave me something hard, and I questioned, wrestled, and “put out the fleece” before I stepped out in obedience.

Thank you, Lord, for showing me how to honor You in trust and obedience. Help me be more like Abraham whenever You tell me what You want me to do.

Johna Clemons