Tested Through Sacrifice

Genesis 20-22; Luke 8 

“Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, ‘Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied. Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.’”

Genesis 22:1, 2

Why did God test Abraham?

It wasn’t because God didn’t trust Abraham, nor was it to discipline him. God tested Abraham because he wanted to know if Abraham feared him and would obey him no matter what he asked him to do.

Do we fear the Lord and obey him in all things?

Do we believe God’s promises to us, even if they seem beyond our current experience or capacity?

What Jesus has called all his disciples to do, exceeds what God called Abraham to do in this test. We are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him. In exchange for our life, we receive the life of God in us and through us. We are living sacrifices for God’s glory.

“Lord Jesus, I offer my life to you as a sacrifice and surrender my rights to you, for your glory.”