From Eden to Egypt Day 27

Some time later God tested Abraham... 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 (NIV)

Even the best get tested.  The faithful are still tried and taken through things.  The trusting must go through trials and tribulations.

Why?

Check the Christian blogosphere and the answers will range from your garden variety samplings of strengthening, suring up, and building up to a few unorthodox views that take a stab at suggesting such tests and trials are to prove faithfulness.  The latter examples do not seem so unorthodox until you see that the divide that occurs with these views is that it is proving the believer's faithfulness to God on one side and showing that God is faithful, keeping all of His promises just as He has said.

Father Abraham was tested by God "some time later" according to the New International Version.  We find that this man who had awaited his son of promise did not tarry long. The third verse of this same chapter tells us that Abraham went to take care of the matter the very next day.  in fact, the King James Version says it was "early in the morning." He did not await an opportune time to spring it on his wife like over dinner or just prior to an evening walk.  Abraham got up and got busy doing as God had said the very next day.

Before some super-sanctified prayer warrior or Christian soldier gets their Bible pages all ruffled up because Abraham did not act immediately, let's settle one matter first.  Think of the last three things that you honestly heard or sensed God telling you to do that were not "normal" behavior for you.  Now, with those in mind, think of how much debate and doubt swam around in your mind.  Look back at the self talk that may have come about due to what God was saying to you by His Spirit.  After some careful consideration, don't even bother.  It may not do you any good if you cannot see the human fallibility in all of us.

Ponder how much God desires a deeper and closer relationship with you.  Identify at least two things that you could sacrifice for a closer walk with Him.  Please do not including your children, wife or in-laws on the list.  Some tests just come with the territory.  Start tearing away from those "sacrifices." Do it first thing tomorrow morning.  Purge yourself of them.  Leave them at God's altar and do not return for them no matter how much you want them back.  If you can recall, I used the word sacrifice.  It's the same type of sacrifice that is symbolized when John the Baptizer called Jesus the Lamb of God.  Identify what your sacrifice will be today.