God Tests Abraham

We're studying James in my home group right now. The author's main point is to point out what real faith is as opposed to fake faith. James, as the brother of Jesus is uniquely able to teach on this topic, since he lived and watched Jesus for 30 years or so before finally believing in his big brother's message. In James 2, James points out that real faith is demonstrated by actions. He points to Abraham's near sacrifice of his son Isaac in Gen. 22. Here's just a couple thoughts on this amazing display of God caring about His child Abraham.

Gen 22:2 "...your son, your only son, whom you love..." God knew that Abe had put his faith almost in his son instead of in God. That for God to take the one thing/person that was the total joy and center of Abe's life would be such a personal test of faith for Abraham. God is such a personal God who is so interested in us and our personal development

Gen 22:6,9: Isaac carries the wood, and allows himself to be tied down. Isaac is no idiot, he knows whats going on, yet he submits to his father and to the Lord. We don't hear anything about Isaac's faith in this episode but it must have been super strong too. Can you imagine being Isaac and hearing for your whole life that you're the child of promise? Talk about pressure and expectations...

Gen 22:11,12 The Angel of the Lord stops Abraham. The Angel of the Lord is a Christophany, a glimpse of the pre-incarnate Christ. It's so Jesus to intercede directly in the Human experience and make sure that Abraham is cared for. Not that God the Father doesn't love us, but I just feel closer to Jesus, and I love to see Him acting in His intercessory, caring role. It makes my view of Him feel so consistent.

The whole story is a picture of the Gospel, with the father sacrificing the son, who willingly goes to his death, with the expectation of being raised from the dead. Praise God that He loves us enough to send His Son, who willingly came to die for our sins, and then to intercede for us before God.