Genesis 22:1-18 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said to him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.… I. ABRAHAM'S TRIAL. 1. Purpose of this trial. Not to discover something unknown; but to test the strength of a recognized faith. To illustrate the gift of Christ; whose day Abraham saw afar off. 2. The nature of this trial. (1) The sacrifice of a son. An only son. A well-beloved son. (2) By the father's own hands. (3) A son of promise.Through whom was expected the fulfilment of the covenant. In whom this great believer's hopes centred. What is the trial of our faith as compared with this? How little does our faith in God call us to surrender. Yet the "trial of our faith is more precious than of gold which perisheth." II. ABRAHAM'S OBEDIENCE. 1. He did not wait for the repetition of the command, nor demand additional evidence concerning it. Did not imagine he might have mistaken its nature. Did not question the love or wisdom of God. Did not wait till he perfectly understood its purpose. 2. It was prompt. To hear was to obey. Rose early. Prepared at once. 3. It was ruled by precedence. Told no one his purpose. What might Sarah and Isaac have done or said to hinder the execution of the plan? Conceals it from his young men. The wood was cleft at home and taken with him. There might be none on the spot. That might be a hindrance. 4. It was marked by great self-control. Does not by manner express a mental burden. The affecting conversation with Isaac by the way. 5. It was distinguished by an heroic confidence in God. The Lord will provide. He fully believed he should return to the young men with Isaac. Expected he would be raised from the dead (Romans 4:16-22). III. ABRAHAM'S REWARD. Having built an altar, he bound his son. Non-resistance of Isaac ("Jesus, the Son of God, became obedient unto death." "No man taketh My life from Me," &c. Isaac, at twenty-five years of age, might have resisted, but did not). Learn — 1. Receive with submission the trial of our faith. 2. Cheerfully and promptly obey God. 3. The Lord has provided. Jesus died willingly. (J. C. Gray.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. |
    |