God Tests Abraham’s Faith (He tests ours too)

Genesis 22:1-2

1After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here am I.” 2He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”

“God tested Abraham” Far too many Christians hold to dualistic theology. Dualism believes that the world is led by two great powers who are duking it out for the souls of people. While the Christian version of dualism usually holds to the belief that God will win in the end, it also believes that Satan is making great progress and wins his share of the ensuing battles between God and evil.

When it comes to Abraham’s call to sacrifice Isaac, everyone acknowledges that the whole set up regarding the sacrifice of Isaac was God’s idea to prove the genuineness of Abraham’s faith (and foretell the death of Christ).

But many would not see that in their own situation. If you found yourself in a position of having to choose faithfulness to God or the safety of your children would you say that this dilemma had come from God? Would you be more prone to say that this was the work of the devil? There is little doubt that the devil was at work on Abraham when God called him to kill Isaac. A major part of the account is to demonstrate his faithfulness. But let us be very clear. God was in charge of this scenario from beginning to end.

The devil is the most colossal loser in all the created order. We should never allow ourselves to think that in some situations he is winning. Everything works together for his destruction, just as surely as everything works together for our good.

Today, in whatever situation you find yourself, no matter how horrifying (and this is not meant to diminish the horrors of some of the things that people are called to endure) do not divert from the Word of God in the least bit. Even this will work out for your good, whatever it is. God is testing you. Prove the genuineness of your faith. You shall come forth as gold.