1/30/17 – Genesis 22

“The Test of Life”

Life is crazy at times. The different ups and down. One minute you feel like you are on top of the world and the next you feel like you are in a deep valley. That is nothing new, it has been that way from the beginning, it is called LIFE. We might as well get use to it. But what if these moments are all about growing us and not harming us? What if it is about letting us see us for who we really are, so to not stay the same?

I believe the story of Abraham gives us a clear picture that life is a journey. And Faith is a life long endeavor not a one time statement. Think with me about a few of Abrahams moments leading up to Genesis 22.

• Abraham was Relocated from his home in Genesis 11-12. God gave him a command to GO and that’s exactly what he did. From Ur of Chaldees to Haran and finally to the area near Hebron. At different times Abram lived in Shechem, Bethel, Hebron and Beer-sheba. 500 miles on foot he traveled
• Abraham experienced Sorrow in Genesis 11. Abraham’s father Terah died in Haran and also his brother Haran.
• Abraham was in the middle of Economic collapse in Genesis 12. On his GO journey he is guide to Egypt and famine drove him out again for survival.
• Abraham was apart of Deception that lead to failure in Genesis 12. He lied about Sarai being his wife to Pharaoh.
• Abraham experienced Success in Genesis 13. He become wealthy and powerful near Bethel.
• Abraham apparently did not have the perfect family either. He had a Family argument/disagreement in Genesis 13. He and Lot separated. Lot goes to Sodom and is ultimately captured by the Elamites. Abram goes to rescue. There is magnetic appeal of family! You can’t live with them and you can’t live without them.
• Abraham meets Melchizedek in Genesis 14 and is Blessed by this mysterious priest. He gives tithe to Melchizedek.
• Abraham Lacks Faith in Genesis 15. Because of 24 years of no off springs, Sarai offers Hagar to Abram. Ishmael born. Which leads to the Jerry Springer show in Genesis 16
• Abraham has a Transforming encounter with God in Genesis 17. God changes their names to Abraham and Sarah.
• Ishmael mocked Isaac in Genesis 21. Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael packing to another country.

Whew, I’m tired just thinking about it. Imagine sitting down in a rocking chair listening to that story. Guess What? These are things common to humanity. Abraham’s journey may remind you a little bit of yours, minus the 500 miles on foot, ha. It helps me see that Faith is not a one time stand but a life long journey with ups and downs. Sometimes life is hectic. Other times life is miraculous.

Oh wait, Abraham’s journey is not over.

• Then came The Test on Moriah with Issac in Genesis 22.

That is what I want to focus on briefly today. The Test of Life. In Genesis 22:1, the bible says “God tested Abraham”. Now this is interesting. I looked up the word “tested” and what I found amazed me.

There is more parallel verses in Genesis 22 (Old Testament) to the New Testament than almost any other Chapter. The examples of Abraham’s Faith is made known throughout the New Testament. He passed this test in Genesis 22. It grew his faith and ultimately He was blessed.

I looked at the actions of Abraham in Genesis 22, to see what He did. I want you to put yourself into the story. Change Abraham’s name to your name. Now ask yourself!

What are some things that we I am tested on to see where our heart is? Read and follow alone. I want you to use your imagination. How would you pass these test?

• To see if I will Go – V.2-4

How many times has God asked me/you to go somewhere even if it’s just to say Hello to someone else? What about when you see someone that looks like they are in need and you get this feeling in your stomach like you need to go help or ask if there is anything you can do? Those are relatively easy GO’s that I mess up.

• To see if I will Worship – V.5

Let’s be honest. I don’t find myself in a state of Worship sometimes.

• To see if I will Sacrifice – V.7-8

When is the last time, if ever, that I have sacrificed to the point of trusting God for everything that will follow? Notice that in Sacrifice – GOD WILL PROVIDE.

• To see if we will Surrender – V.10

What in my life have I surrendered to The Lord? All of me or part of me? God wants ALL of me: my life, marriage, children, occupation. Everything for The work of The Lord.

God never intended to take Isaac – only to test Abraham. And the test was not for God’s sake, but for Abraham’s. God intended to bring Abraham to full surrender to Himself and to full faith.

• Blessings come from Surrender – Abraham Obeyed and was Blessed. He and His Son. V.11-18. I know this. I’ve been blessed when I surrender. Why then is it so hard to stay in surrender?

So I ask myself: Do I believe God will provide in my time of need on my journey? Will I Go when He says Go? Worship regardless of the circumstances? Sacrifice for the sake of The Gospel? Surrender ALL of me for His name sake?

“FAITH IS NOT A ONE TIME STAND BUT A LIFE LONG JOURNEY”

How’s the life-journey working out for you right now? Remember, it’s a test.

Bro. J