We have reached our last week of focus on Abraham. Next week we will turn our attention to Joseph.
However, before we move to Genesis 22, I want us to think about trials and tests. We are so well acquainted with the concept while we are in school. We have studied a particular subject ... and we are tested over what we have learned. How well do you know it? Good tests require the student to apply the knowledge. Regurgitation of facts is not particularly useful. And so teachers write tests to see if their students have internalized the concepts that have been presented and to see if they can use the concepts to solve problems. Well ... that is the goal anyway!
Abraham's walk with God has included several tests - several trials. With each trial, I believe that God is saying to Abraham, "Let's see what you have learned. How will you deal with this situation now that we have walked together for these years." We watch Abraham fail some of those tests ... and we see him pass others with flying colors! Sounds a bit like you and I , no? I pass some ... and I fail some.
Read James 1: 2 - 8, 12. The Greek word translated, trials, means: to try to learn the genuineness of something by examination and testing; often through use. God sends trials our way, just as He sent them to Abraham. Sometimes, they come through family relationships. For a few minutes, think about the trials and tests that came to Abraham through his family relationships. Lot - Sarah - Ishmael - Hagar. What trials are in your life right now stemming from your family relationships? Can we walk by faith through them? Can we persevere? Can we be mature? Abraham also faced tests and trials that came from people around him. When in Egypt - confederation of kings - Abimelech. Are you in any trials right now that are coming from people around you? Perhaps people at your workplace, or neighborhood, or parent boards and committees? Can we walk by faith through them? Can we persevere? Can we be mature? Remember, a test is to determine the genuineness of something.
Notice the contrast in James 1:13 - 15. Now the word is "temptation". Temptations are not designed to see what you have learned, or to determine the genuineness of something. They are designed for one purpose ... and one purpose only ... your demise! Temptations are designed to cause someone to sin. Different word ... different purpose ... different source. God sends trials our way to strengthen us. Satan sends temptations our way to weaken and destroy us. Never confuse the two!
Abraham is about to face the greatest test of his entire life. He has walked with God for 100+ years. If you have been in church for some time this will be a very familiar story. Don't let the familiarity cloud your eyes. Ask God for fresh vision as you read these verses. To help with that, read a bit more slowly ... even read out loud to slow yourself down. See what stands out to you this time. What do you notice about Abraham? About Isaac? What do you learn about God? Make a note in your Journal on God. Read the passage today ... and we will read it again in Day 2 and make some observations.
Read Genesis 22: 1 - 19.
Lord ... what lessons do you have for me in these verses? How can I apply them to my life right now?
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