WORSHIP THOUGHTS

07/22/06 - Abraham Tested 1

Last week I began looking at this very important chapter for us as worshippers and I will be continuing this week and next.

1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. 2 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." 3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you."

God was going test Abraham. Why? Surely Abraham had been faithful and followed God? Well, what we come to realize is that Abraham was no more special that you or I, because God tests us all! And he wanted to show us how to respond in a positive manner. Did Abraham respond positively? Well, let’s look at it and see for ourselves.

1. As soon as God called he responded v1
2. God asks the impossible after stating the facts v2
3. Abraham’s response is swift and purposeful v3
4. Abraham did not waver as time moved on v4
5. He confessed that he believed God for a miracle v5
6. Abraham never flinched v6
7. He pressed on enduring heart wrenching pressure v7
8. He believed God v8
9. He was willing v9
10. He continued to obey in the face of adversity v10
11. God spoke after the test v11
12. God believes in resurrection v12
13. God is our provider, but under his terms v13&14
14. God speaks to him confirming his future v15 – 18