Tested but not tempted by God
The Old Testament reading (Gen 22:1-18) appointed for today recounts Abraham’s faith test. God tested Abraham’s trust in Him in a totally unexpected way. God used Abraham to picture the greatest example of His love—long before Jesus gave His life for us.
This conversation between God and Abraham was the beginning of probably the greatest trial of Abraham’s life. It is a story of faith that goes beyond Abraham’s time. It has a direct impact on us today. God asked Abraham to sacrifice the son he loved deeply.
Abraham had waited for many years for Isaac to be born, even when it seemed impossible (Genesis 17:15-17). God promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations through Isaac. The command to sacrifice Isaac seemed to contradict the promises that God had made to him. To Abraham, this must have been confusing. It might have seemed like God was going back on His promises. Instead of continuing his family through Isaac, God was going to have him sacrificed. But Abraham didn’t say, “I quit”. He did as he was told.
In spite of all the confusion, Abraham stepped out in faith. He knew that God would fulfill His promises, even if that meant doing what seemed impossible. God saved Isaac! In spite of all the chances to stop, Abraham continued in faith. He passed the test. Knowing that Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac, God stepped in and instead provided a ram for the burnt offering.
God is not a God who tests us pointlessly. Instead, “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Just as God was with Abraham and Isaac in this time of trial, so will He be with us in our trials! The story of Abraham preparing to sacrifice Isaac is an incredible story that shows us what true faith is like. It shows us that God is with us, even when things don’t seem to make sense. In the end, God will be there for us during our trials, just as He was there for Abraham and Isaac.
