“In Genesis 22 . . . we learn that Abraham has been told to offer up Isaac. . . . This isn’t a pop quiz; this is a major test. You’ll know when a test is major because it will call for something significant in your life to be addressed while your simultaneously asked to address it in a way that makes no sense. . . . It wasn’t on your bucket list. In fact, it seems downright ridiculous.”- Dr. Tony Evans
“By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice.”- Hebrews 11:17 (NIV)
In Chapter 7 (“Abraham, a Man Who Wisely Passed God’s Test”) of Kingdom Heroes, Dr. Tony Evans counsels to expect a test when God’s ready to give you a new level of experience with Him. Therefore, Dr. Evans notes, you don’t get to move forward simply because you want to. First, you need to demonstrate the ability to move forward. So, since a test prepares you for a higher level, there’s something to look forward to on the other side.
God minced no words when calling Abraham to the table for his test. No lack of clarity on God’s part. However, Tony notes, Abraham’s test contained a plethora of contradictions. And taking a look at each one helps us better identify times God asks us to step out in faith. Dr. Evans covers four of the five today.
1. The Theological Contradiction. To kill Isaac as God asked went against the very fulfillment of God’s initial promise to Abraham. This defies logic.
2. The Biblical Contradiction. In Genesis 9, God condemns murder. Yet, in this test God asks Abraham to take Isaac’s life.
3. The Emotional Contradiction. God asks Abraham to kill the son he loves and waited decades for. His pride, joy, and daily delight. However, God asks Abraham to override his emotions of love, preservation, and devotion.
4. The Relational Contradiction. As Sarah’s husband, Abraham took on the role of provider and protector. Thus, he could never explain killing Isaac to her. Perhaps that’s why he set out early in the morning – hit the road quickly.
Today’s question: What major test or tests have you faced in life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A little something for God”
