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Genesis 22:1 - Testing And Trials In The Revelation Of Idols.

Genesis 22:1 (NIV) Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.

Genesis 22:1 (NLT) Some time later, God tested Abraham's faith. "Abraham!" God called. "Yes," he replied. "Here I am."

INTRODUCTION

God tested Abraham, not to trip him and watch him fall, but to deepen his capacity to obey God and thus to develop his character. Just as fire refines ore to extract precious metals, God refines us through difficult circumstances. When we are tested, we can complain, or we can try to see how God is stretching us to develop our character. [Life Application SB]

COMMENTARY PEARL

Abraham Tested Again.
   God had called Abraham to be the father of the faithful, and his life was to stand as an example of faith to succeeding generations. But his faith had not been perfect. He had shown distrust of God in concealing the fact that Sarah was his wife, and again in his marriage with Hagar. That he might reach the highest standard, God subjected him to another test, the closest which man was ever called to endure. PP147 [Remnant SB]

Abraham Passes the Test.
   Abraham's great act of faith stands like a pillar of light, illuminating the pathway of God's servants in all succeeding ages. Abraham did not seek to excuse himself from doing the will of God. During that three days' journey he had sufficient time to reason, and to doubt God, if he was disposed to doubt. He might have reasoned that the slaying of his son would cause him to be looked upon as a murderer, a second Cain; that it would cause his teaching to be rejected and despised; and thus destroy his power to do good to his fellow men. He might have pleaded that age should excuse him from obedience. But the patriarch did not take refuge in any of these excuses. Abraham was human; his passions and attachments were like ours; but he did not stop to question how the promise could be fulfilled if Isaac should be slain. He did not stay to reason with his aching heart. He knew that God is just and righteous in all His requirements, and he obeyed the command to the very letter.
   "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God." James 2:23. And Paul says, "They which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham." Galatians 3:7. But Abraham's faith was made manifest by his works. "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?" James 2:21, 22. There are many who fail to understand the relation of faith and works. They say, "Only believe in Christ, and you are safe. You have nothing to do with keeping the law." But genuine faith will be manifest in obedience. Said Christ to the unbelieving Jews, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham." John 8:39. PP153-154 [Remnant SB]

COMMENTARY

Everything Sacred
   In their later years, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with a child, Isaac, whose name means "laughter."
   Isaac was a physical representation of everything sacred to Abraham's heart, the covenants that God made. He was the physical link to the coming Messiah. And Abraham watched this little child grow into a young boy and then into a strong young man.
   We don't know for certain, but perhaps Isaac began to fill the spot that Abraham had previously reserved for God, because the Bible tells us that God tested Abraham.
   God said to him, "Take your son, your only son - yes, Isaac, whom you love so much - and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you" (Genesis 22:2 NLT).
   Even then, Abraham had his priorities right. He was willing to give up Isaac to the Lord, believing that, if necessary, He would resurrect him from the dead. Of course, we know the rest of the story. At the last moment, God spared Isaac.
   And Abraham passed the test.
   In his book The Pursuit of God, A. W. Tozer commented, "To the wondering patriarch [God] now says in effect, 'It's all right, Abraham. I never intended that you should actually slay the lad. I only wanted to remove him from the temple of your heart that I might reign unchallenged there.' "
   Could it be that someone has become an idol in your life? Is there someone who is more precious to you than God Himself?
   It isn't that God would take this individual away as much as He wants to rule and reign in your heart.
   The Bible gives us God's reflection about how the people of Israel once pursued Him. God said, "I remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the barren wilderness" (Jeremiah 2:2 NLT).
   In other words, "Remember how it was when we were still in the honeymoon phase, in the early days?"
   He continues, "For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me - the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!" (verse 13 NLT).
   Their first mistake was withdrawing from Him, the fountain of living waters, the One who could satisfy their deepest needs. And then it was only a matter of time until they found broken cisterns, wells dug in the rocks that couldn't hold water.
   Let's heed the warning of Scripture to believers living in the last days. Let's refuse to allow anyone or anything to become idols in our hearts. THE BEST ANTIDOTE TO IDOLATRY IS A PASSIONATE LOVE RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. WHEN HE IS THE LORD OF OUR LIVES AND WE'RE CULTIVATING FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM, WE WON'T RUN AFTER OTHER GODS.
   Any pursuit you go after that takes God's place in your life won't satisfy you. Let Him be your Lord. Let Him be your God. [Greg Laurie from Harvest Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

1 Corinthians 10:13 - Temptation Comes with Limits and a Way of Escape.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230615-0856.html

James 1:13-15 - Victory Over Temptation And Sin.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240903-1544.html

James 1:12 - Blessed Are Those Who Persevere Under Temptation and Trials.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220203-0813.html

1 Peter 1:6 - For a Little While.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230724-1026.html

1 Peter 1:6, 7 - Problems Prepare You for Eternity.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220622-0818.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/