The Ultimate Test

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 

                                                                                                                    Heb.  11.17,18

I’m tempted to see this as the ultimate test of faith. God had promised Abraham that He would bring his seed from Isaac, a great nation with offspring more numerous than the stars in the sky or the grains of sand on the seashore. This was God’s promise. But Sarah was barren. Furthermore, she and Abraham were advancing in age well beyond the biological time for reproducing.

But God had promised, and Abraham believed Him. Then, miracle of miracles, Isaac was born. The unbelievable had happened. God’s promise came to fruition.

But then the craziest thing occurred. God asked Abraham to take Isaac to Mount Moriah and to sacrifice him there. What’s going on? How could a great nation, of millions perhaps, come from a cremated body? Did Abraham argue? Did he remonstrate loudly and wildly? If he did, it’s not recorded! We’re told only of his simple obedience. He took the boy and prepared the altar. And when Isaac asked where the sacrificial was, Abraham answered, “God himself will provide.” (Gen. 22.8) This is faith in the extreme. God did indeed provide, and at the very last minute!

The ultimate test brought out the extreme of faith that Abraham possessed. Hallelujah!

Lord, Mighty God,

I reflect afresh on the faith Abraham exhibited when called on to sacrifice his precious son. I marvel at his belief and trust in You. I seek such a faith. I know You, but I want to know You more, in deeper trusting love and faith.             Amen.

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