Reading: Genesis 22

God says in Genesis 15:1 “Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Does Abraham really believe and trust in God? God decides to test Abraham’s faith.

 

God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac; it is an extremely severe test. Abraham loves and trusts God; but he also loves Isaac. Furthermore God had promised about Isaac “I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him (Gen 17:19). God’s test tears Abraham’s heart into pieces. But he obeys; he trusts God and believes in His power and faithfulness. He tells his servants “we will come back to you” (vs 5). And to Isaac he says “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering” (vs 8).

 

Before Abraham slays his son the Angel of the LORD stops him because “now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me” (vs 12). Abraham obeyed God, therefore God blesses him richly.

 

God calls us all to live in faith. True faith is to put our lives completely in God’s hands, trusting His rich covenant promises. Due to sin our life in faith is often a dark journey; we experience struggles and suffering. But through the darkness we can see the cross of Jesus Christ and the glorious light of God’s presence. One day we will fully live in that light; indeed we “shall see His face” (Revelation 22:4).

 

Key verse: Genesis 22:18 “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”

 

Question: True faith is to put our lives completely in God’s hands, trusting His rich covenant promises. Name several of God’s promises which help to strengthen your faith.