READ | SERMON NOTES
SUMMARY l Have you ever obeyed God without understanding His plans? Faith that overcomes trials in life is not faith that understands all that He is doing. Rather, faith trusts God even in unclear circumstances. In this passage in Gen. 22, Abraham shows us obedient faith in an extreme situation.
God’s tests of our faith – at this stage in his life, Abraham’s relationship with God has deepened. He has faced other tests in his life including responding to God’s call to leave his homeland to venture to an unknown land and experienced God’s rescue from Egypt. His ultimate test has yet to come. God asked him to sacrifice his only son, the one through whom God had promised a nation and for whom he and his wife had waited for many years. In the history of mankind, there has only been one sacrifice greater than this. God gave up His only Son on the cross to die for our sins. Just as Abraham went through a life of trials which honed his faith, we too may face a series of tests in our spiritual journey. Whatever seasons of testing we may be undergoing, let us, like Abraham, grow in obedient faith, focusing on God’s enabling grace. In our trials, know that God has not forgotten us. When things go well, take the opportunity to build our faith so that we can weather any storms we encounter in future.
God’s incongruous command – In Gen. 22:2, God gives an unbelievable and inexplicable command. Abraham was told to sacrifice his only son, the promised heir who would build a nation chosen by God. And yet, Abraham obeyed without hesitation (vs. 3). He trusted God enough not to question. Faith is choosing to trust God, even when we do not have the answers to all the hard times in life.
God’s promises – In vs. 5, Abraham declares with great faith that he and Issac will return. “Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead” (Heb. 11:19). In 2 Cor.12:7, Paul shares that God used a trial to keep him from being proud. We may never know the purpose behind a test. Obedient faith does not demand a reason from God. Instead, it rests on God’s promises. We can stand firm on His character and on His Word.
God’s intervening provision – Abraham gains progressive insight (vs. 4-14) as he looks up and sees. Twice we note the words “looks up” and five times, the word “sees” occurs. Abraham passes his ultimate test with flying colours. He did not withhold his most precious possession, namely his son. This parallels the story of our salvation. God did not spare his Son who died on the cross for our sins. Unlike this Genesis account, there was no substitute lamb. God provided a way out of the punishment for our sins through the death of His Son. Does this not help us trust God to provide for all that we need in life? The Lord will provide – Jehovah Jireh. Pastor Chin Nam testified of God’s provision for him and his family throughout the call and eventual submission to full-time service.
Are we willing to obey God’s call, even if it costs us something precious? What or who is our “Isaac” that we cling on to? Is it our financial security, our career, our children, our comfortable life, our dreams? Are we able to surrender these to Him? God wants us to discover that nothing is safe apart from placing our lives in His hands. Let us declare with Abraham that on the mount of the Lord, He will provide, for His promises can be trusted.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
a. Read Genesis 22:1-19. Which part of Abraham’s story stands out to you?
b. Compare Genesis 22:6-8 and John 19:16-18. What are the similarities between the story of Abraham and Isaac and the story of God and Jesus? - Recall Sermon
a. Faith is grounded in God’s promises, which often come with conditions. How is this evident in Abraham’s story?
b. Obedient faith does not demand an explanation from God but rests on His promises. How is this reflected in your own faith?
c. God is Jehovah Jireh – the LORD who provides – and ultimately points us to Jesus, His greatest provision. How does knowing this truth help you trust God with your present trials? - Relate Personally
a. What did it mean for God to test Abraham? When have you ever felt that God might be testing you? How did you respond?
b. Put yourself in Abraham’s shoes. Consider how difficult his obedience must have been. Then consider his relief and joy when Isaac was spared. How has God’s provision affected your life?
c. Abraham was willing to place his beloved Isaac in God’s hands. What might your “Isaac” be? - Commit to Action
a. What is one specific area where you sense God inviting you to say, “Lord, You are Jehovah Jireh. I trust You,” this week?
