A Call to Faithful Obedience | Justin Bilson | My Favorite Story

>> Well, good morning, church. >> Well, good morning, church. This is the day that the Lord has made This is the day that the Lord has made This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it. and we will rejoice and be glad in it. and we will rejoice and be glad in it. Would you do me a favor Would you do me a favor Would you do me a favor here in the room? Would you just turn to here in the room? Would you just turn to here in the room? Would you just turn to somebody around you and tell them I'm somebody around you and tell them I'm somebody around you and tell them I'm glad you're here today. Tell them I'm glad you're here today. Tell them I'm glad you're here today. Tell them I'm glad you're here today. I am glad you're glad you're here today. I am glad you're glad you're here today. I am glad you're here today. here today. here today. Amen. Amen. Amen. Glad you're here today. Glad you're here today. Glad you're here today. You never know who needs to hear those You never know who needs to hear those You never know who needs to hear those words. We come and we gather not only to words. We come and we gather not only to words. We come and we gather not only to be encouraged, but to be an be encouraged, but to be an be encouraged, but to be an encouragement. And so we are glad that encouragement. And so we are glad that encouragement. And so we are glad that you are here today both in the room and you are here today both in the room and you are here today both in the room and watching online as well as in the watching online as well as in the watching online as well as in the chapel. My name is Justin Bilson. I'm chapel. My name is Justin Bilson. I'm chapel. My name is Justin Bilson. I'm one of the four teaching pastors here at one of the four teaching pastors here at one of the four teaching pastors here at Fellowship. And all summer long we're in Fellowship. And all summer long we're in Fellowship. And all summer long we're in this series called my favorite story. this series called my favorite story. this series called my favorite story. And so obviously here at the West Campus And so obviously here at the West Campus And so obviously here at the West Campus we hear from the teaching pastors we hear from the teaching pastors we hear from the teaching pastors myself, Ben, Brandon, and Mark. But in myself, Ben, Brandon, and Mark. But in myself, Ben, Brandon, and Mark. But in addition to that, we're also going to addition to that, we're also going to addition to that, we're also going to hear from some of our campus pastors hear from some of our campus pastors hear from some of our campus pastors from the other six campuses who don't from the other six campuses who don't from the other six campuses who don't normally get to share here. And so it's normally get to share here. And so it's normally get to share here. And so it's good that we get to hear from other good that we get to hear from other good that we get to hear from other voices as we collectively share our voices as we collectively share our voices as we collectively share our favorite story from God's word. And so favorite story from God's word. And so favorite story from God's word. And so today I want to direct your attention to today I want to direct your attention to today I want to direct your attention to the book of Genesis. You shouldn't have the book of Genesis. You shouldn't have the book of Genesis. You shouldn't have to turn far. It's right there, the book to turn far. It's right there, the book to turn far. It's right there, the book of beginnings. Genesis chapter 22 is of beginnings. Genesis chapter 22 is of beginnings. Genesis chapter 22 is where I want to direct your attention where I want to direct your attention where I want to direct your attention today. Genesis chapter 22 as we look at today. Genesis chapter 22 as we look at today. Genesis chapter 22 as we look at one of my favorite stories uh in the Old one of my favorite stories uh in the Old one of my favorite stories uh in the Old Testament and in the scriptures. Genesis Testament and in the scriptures. Genesis Testament and in the scriptures. Genesis chapter 22, we're going to walk through

chapter 22, we're going to walk through chapter 22, we're going to walk through verses 1 through 19, verses 1 through 19, verses 1 through 19, but I'm only going to read verses 4 but I'm only going to read verses 4 but I'm only going to read verses 4 through 8 just to lay the foundation for through 8 just to lay the foundation for through 8 just to lay the foundation for our time together this morning. Again, our time together this morning. Again, our time together this morning. Again, Genesis chapter 22 is where we're going Genesis chapter 22 is where we're going Genesis chapter 22 is where we're going to be. We'll put it on the screen if you to be. We'll put it on the screen if you to be. We'll put it on the screen if you don't have it in front of you. Verse 4 don't have it in front of you. Verse 4 don't have it in front of you. Verse 4 says this, "On the third day says this, "On the third day says this, "On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes Abraham lifted up his eyes Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar off. and saw the place from afar off. and saw the place from afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey. here with the donkey. here with the donkey. I and the boy will go over there and I and the boy will go over there and I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you." worship and come again to you." worship and come again to you." And Abraham took the wood of the burnt And Abraham took the wood of the burnt And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering offering offering and laid it on Isaac his son. and laid it on Isaac his son. and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the And he took in his hand the fire and the And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So, they went both of them knife. So, they went both of them knife. So, they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father, together. And Isaac said to his father, together. And Isaac said to his father, "Abraham, my father." And he said, "Here "Abraham, my father." And he said, "Here "Abraham, my father." And he said, "Here I am, my son." He said, "Behold the fire I am, my son." He said, "Behold the fire I am, my son." He said, "Behold the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for and the wood, but where is the lamb for and the wood, but where is the lamb for burnt offering?" burnt offering?" burnt offering?" Verse 8, and Abraham said, "God will Verse 8, and Abraham said, "God will Verse 8, and Abraham said, "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt provide for himself the lamb for a burnt provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son."

offering, my son." offering, my son." So, they went both of them So, they went both of them So, they went both of them together. together. together. That's the word of the Lord to us this That's the word of the Lord to us this That's the word of the Lord to us this morning as we talk about a call to morning as we talk about a call to morning as we talk about a call to faithful obedience. That's what we're faithful obedience. That's what we're faithful obedience. That's what we're going to talk about this morning, going to talk about this morning, going to talk about this morning, church, a call to faithful obedience. church, a call to faithful obedience. church, a call to faithful obedience. Let's pray together. Father, thank you Let's pray together. Father, thank you Let's pray together. Father, thank you for our time in your word. for our time in your word. for our time in your word. Thank you for the opportunity both in Thank you for the opportunity both in Thank you for the opportunity both in the room and online to be able to the room and online to be able to the room and online to be able to worship you all across this nation, worship you all across this nation, worship you all across this nation, wherever we are, but even right here in wherever we are, but even right here in wherever we are, but even right here in Central Arkansas, across all of our Central Arkansas, across all of our Central Arkansas, across all of our campuses today, to be able to lift you campuses today, to be able to lift you campuses today, to be able to lift you and worship you and to fellowship with and worship you and to fellowship with and worship you and to fellowship with one another, to encourage one another, one another, to encourage one another, one another, to encourage one another, and to be encouraged by one another, and and to be encouraged by one another, and and to be encouraged by one another, and now to sit at your feet, to open up your now to sit at your feet, to open up your now to sit at your feet, to open up your word and ask that you would speak to us. word and ask that you would speak to us. word and ask that you would speak to us. Lord, I thank you that your word is life Lord, I thank you that your word is life Lord, I thank you that your word is life and light to us, and so I ask as I and light to us, and so I ask as I and light to us, and so I ask as I always do that you would let this word always do that you would let this word always do that you would let this word come alive. come alive. come alive. Let it jump off the page. Let it Let it jump off the page. Let it Let it jump off the page. Let it captivate our attention. Let it captivate our attention. Let it captivate our attention. Let it challenge us. Let it change us. Let it challenge us. Let it change us. Let it challenge us. Let it change us. Let it convict us in the areas that we need to convict us in the areas that we need to convict us in the areas that we need to grow. Thank you that your word does not grow. Thank you that your word does not grow. Thank you that your word does not leave us the same.

leave us the same. leave us the same. But I praise you and I honor you for the But I praise you and I honor you for the But I praise you and I honor you for the ways that you're at work in our church ways that you're at work in our church ways that you're at work in our church and the lives of those here in the and the lives of those here in the and the lives of those here in the worship center, in the chapel, and worship center, in the chapel, and worship center, in the chapel, and online, and all around Central Arkansas online, and all around Central Arkansas online, and all around Central Arkansas and the world. Lord, thank you for the and the world. Lord, thank you for the and the world. Lord, thank you for the ways that you're working. ways that you're working. ways that you're working. But as we approach your word, we do so But as we approach your word, we do so But as we approach your word, we do so humbly and we ask that you would speak humbly and we ask that you would speak humbly and we ask that you would speak to us today. We need to hear from you. to us today. We need to hear from you. to us today. We need to hear from you. We love you, Lord, and we thank you in We love you, Lord, and we thank you in We love you, Lord, and we thank you in Jesus' name. Jesus' name. Jesus' name. Amen. Church, for as long as I can remember, Church, for as long as I can remember, I've always been fascinated by the Old I've always been fascinated by the Old I've always been fascinated by the Old Testament. Testament. Testament. This fascination began in the early This fascination began in the early This fascination began in the early years of my faith formation as a child years of my faith formation as a child years of my faith formation as a child growing up in Syracuse, New York, growing up in Syracuse, New York, growing up in Syracuse, New York, actually in Sunday school. actually in Sunday school. actually in Sunday school. And uh my grandmother was my first And uh my grandmother was my first And uh my grandmother was my first Sunday school teacher, so as you can Sunday school teacher, so as you can Sunday school teacher, so as you can imagine, there was no such thing as I imagine, there was no such thing as I imagine, there was no such thing as I missed class. Uh no, you did not. Uh but missed class. Uh no, you did not. Uh but missed class. Uh no, you did not. Uh but I I remember vividly each week talking I I remember vividly each week talking I I remember vividly each week talking about different Bible figures in the about different Bible figures in the about different Bible figures in the narrative of scripture. I remember narrative of scripture. I remember narrative of scripture. I remember vividly being in awe of this man named vividly being in awe of this man named vividly being in awe of this man named Noah who built an ark and survived a Noah who built an ark and survived a Noah who built an ark and survived a flood with his family and the animals on flood with his family and the animals on flood with his family and the animals on the ark. I remember hearing the story the ark. I remember hearing the story the ark. I remember hearing the story about the three Hebrew boys who survived about the three Hebrew boys who survived about the three Hebrew boys who survived this burning fiery furnace.

this burning fiery furnace. this burning fiery furnace. I remember being captivated by the story I remember being captivated by the story I remember being captivated by the story and the imagery of the Red Sea crossing and the imagery of the Red Sea crossing and the imagery of the Red Sea crossing as Moses lifts up his staff and the as Moses lifts up his staff and the as Moses lifts up his staff and the children of Israel cross over the Red children of Israel cross over the Red children of Israel cross over the Red Sea on dry ground. These were just a few Sea on dry ground. These were just a few Sea on dry ground. These were just a few of the stories that captivated me as a of the stories that captivated me as a of the stories that captivated me as a child and even to this day I love the child and even to this day I love the child and even to this day I love the stories and the history of the Old stories and the history of the Old stories and the history of the Old Testament. Testament. Testament. That's why I've chosen as one of my That's why I've chosen as one of my That's why I've chosen as one of my favorite stories today this passage favorite stories today this passage favorite stories today this passage before us in Genesis chapter 22. This before us in Genesis chapter 22. This before us in Genesis chapter 22. This story, if you're unfamiliar with it, the story, if you're unfamiliar with it, the story, if you're unfamiliar with it, the sacrifice of Isaac, is one of my sacrifice of Isaac, is one of my sacrifice of Isaac, is one of my personal favorites because in it we see personal favorites because in it we see personal favorites because in it we see radical obedience, willing sacrifice, radical obedience, willing sacrifice, radical obedience, willing sacrifice, the divine promise and provision of God, the divine promise and provision of God, the divine promise and provision of God, and I also see Jesus. We're going to and I also see Jesus. We're going to and I also see Jesus. We're going to talk about that in a moment, but for talk about that in a moment, but for talk about that in a moment, but for now, let me set the stage for us just so now, let me set the stage for us just so now, let me set the stage for us just so that you are aware of what's going on that you are aware of what's going on that you are aware of what's going on not only in the text, but what is going not only in the text, but what is going not only in the text, but what is going on leading up to the text. Because on leading up to the text. Because on leading up to the text. Because context matters. So, that's why they're context matters. So, that's why they're context matters. So, that's why they're on your bulletin. If you have it in on your bulletin. If you have it in on your bulletin. If you have it in front of you, I suggest that in order to front of you, I suggest that in order to front of you, I suggest that in order to understand Genesis 22, we have to go understand Genesis 22, we have to go understand Genesis 22, we have to go back to Genesis 12.

back to Genesis 12. back to Genesis 12. Genesis 12, we're introduced to a man by Genesis 12, we're introduced to a man by Genesis 12, we're introduced to a man by the name of Abram. Abram is called by the name of Abram. Abram is called by the name of Abram. Abram is called by God to leave his father's country, leave God to leave his father's country, leave God to leave his father's country, leave his old life behind, and go to a new his old life behind, and go to a new his old life behind, and go to a new land that God will show him. This is his land that God will show him. This is his land that God will show him. This is his first act of obedience. And in Genesis first act of obedience. And in Genesis first act of obedience. And in Genesis 15, the Bible says that God makes a 15, the Bible says that God makes a 15, the Bible says that God makes a covenant with him and even to his covenant with him and even to his covenant with him and even to his offspring. offspring. offspring. Skip over to Genesis 17 and 18, God says Skip over to Genesis 17 and 18, God says Skip over to Genesis 17 and 18, God says to Abram, "You will be the father of to Abram, "You will be the father of to Abram, "You will be the father of many nations. I'm changing your name. many nations. I'm changing your name. many nations. I'm changing your name. You will no longer be Abram, you will You will no longer be Abram, you will You will no longer be Abram, you will now be Abraham, and I'm even going to now be Abraham, and I'm even going to now be Abraham, and I'm even going to give you and your wife Sarah a child in give you and your wife Sarah a child in give you and your wife Sarah a child in your latter years." your latter years." your latter years." This promised child, Isaac, is born in This promised child, Isaac, is born in This promised child, Isaac, is born in chapter 21. The promise is fulfilled, chapter 21. The promise is fulfilled, chapter 21. The promise is fulfilled, and the Bible says after making a treaty and the Bible says after making a treaty and the Bible says after making a treaty with King Abimelech, Abraham and his with King Abimelech, Abraham and his with King Abimelech, Abraham and his family settle in Beersheba. family settle in Beersheba. family settle in Beersheba. They live quietly and we would presume They live quietly and we would presume They live quietly and we would presume peacefully until one day, according to peacefully until one day, according to peacefully until one day, according to Genesis 22, God decides to test Abraham.

Genesis 22, God decides to test Abraham. Genesis 22, God decides to test Abraham. Scholars would suggest that this test Scholars would suggest that this test Scholars would suggest that this test comes some 15 to 20, even some say 30 comes some 15 to 20, even some say 30 comes some 15 to 20, even some say 30 years after the birth of Isaac, which years after the birth of Isaac, which years after the birth of Isaac, which would make Isaac, if that is correct, would make Isaac, if that is correct, would make Isaac, if that is correct, that would mean Isaac would be anywhere that would mean Isaac would be anywhere that would mean Isaac would be anywhere between in his late teen years or even between in his late teen years or even between in his late teen years or even into early young adulthood. into early young adulthood. into early young adulthood. And it would mean that Abraham was well And it would mean that Abraham was well And it would mean that Abraham was well over 110 years old at the time. Despite over 110 years old at the time. Despite over 110 years old at the time. Despite all of this, God tells Abraham, he says, all of this, God tells Abraham, he says, all of this, God tells Abraham, he says, "Take your son Isaac, go to the land of "Take your son Isaac, go to the land of "Take your son Isaac, go to the land of Moriah, and sacrifice him as a burnt Moriah, and sacrifice him as a burnt Moriah, and sacrifice him as a burnt offering." offering." offering." This is God's command. And verse three, This is God's command. And verse three, This is God's command. And verse three, Abraham, the Bible says, responds in Abraham, the Bible says, responds in Abraham, the Bible says, responds in obedience. He gets up the next morning, obedience. He gets up the next morning, obedience. He gets up the next morning, he prepares his son, he prepares the he prepares his son, he prepares the he prepares his son, he prepares the elements to make the altar, he gets two elements to make the altar, he gets two elements to make the altar, he gets two servants, and he says, "Let's go, make a servants, and he says, "Let's go, make a servants, and he says, "Let's go, make a three-day journey from Beersheba to three-day journey from Beersheba to three-day journey from Beersheba to Moriah." Moriah." Moriah." Bible says they get to the place of Bible says they get to the place of Bible says they get to the place of sacrifice. They get to the place where sacrifice. They get to the place where sacrifice. They get to the place where they see the mountain afar off, and the they see the mountain afar off, and the they see the mountain afar off, and the text says that Abraham looks at the text says that Abraham looks at the text says that Abraham looks at the servants and says, "Camp here, stay servants and says, "Camp here, stay servants and says, "Camp here, stay here. I and the boy are going to here. I and the boy are going to here. I and the boy are going to worship. We'll come back in few."

worship. We'll come back in few." worship. We'll come back in few." So, now we see the father and son, Isaac So, now we see the father and son, Isaac So, now we see the father and son, Isaac and Abraham, alone. They make this trek and Abraham, alone. They make this trek and Abraham, alone. They make this trek up the mountain, which which which up the mountain, which which which up the mountain, which which which historians say this is a smaller historians say this is a smaller historians say this is a smaller mountain in comparison to other mountain in comparison to other mountain in comparison to other surrounding mountains. It's small in surrounding mountains. It's small in surrounding mountains. It's small in size, but it's significant in meaning. size, but it's significant in meaning. size, but it's significant in meaning. Because this is the place where God Because this is the place where God Because this is the place where God tests Abraham's obedience. tests Abraham's obedience. tests Abraham's obedience. As they're going up the mountain, Isaac As they're going up the mountain, Isaac As they're going up the mountain, Isaac says, I just read it, but Isaac says to says, I just read it, but Isaac says to says, I just read it, but Isaac says to his father, he says, "I see the fire, I his father, he says, "I see the fire, I his father, he says, "I see the fire, I see the wood, but where is the lamb for see the wood, but where is the lamb for see the wood, but where is the lamb for burnt offering?" Notice what Abraham burnt offering?" Notice what Abraham burnt offering?" Notice what Abraham says, he says, "Son, God will provide says, he says, "Son, God will provide says, he says, "Son, God will provide for himself the lamb for burnt for himself the lamb for burnt for himself the lamb for burnt offering." offering." offering." Church, I love this, and I want to pause Church, I love this, and I want to pause Church, I love this, and I want to pause here for a moment, because I love this here for a moment, because I love this here for a moment, because I love this exchange between father and son, because exchange between father and son, because exchange between father and son, because Isaac asks an honest question. That Isaac asks an honest question. That Isaac asks an honest question. That there is no visible lamb or animal there is no visible lamb or animal there is no visible lamb or animal sacrifice, So, where is it? And Abraham sacrifice, So, where is it? And Abraham sacrifice, So, where is it? And Abraham not only says it, but he shows his not only says it, but he shows his not only says it, but he shows his confidence in God.

confidence in God. confidence in God. Because he believes that God will Because he believes that God will Because he believes that God will provide. provide. provide. Did you know that word provide, just a Did you know that word provide, just a Did you know that word provide, just a fun tidbit of information, did you know fun tidbit of information, did you know fun tidbit of information, did you know that word provide in Hebrew literally that word provide in Hebrew literally that word provide in Hebrew literally means God will see to it? means God will see to it? means God will see to it? When he says to him that God will When he says to him that God will When he says to him that God will provide himself, God will provide for provide himself, God will provide for provide himself, God will provide for himself a ram or lamb, what he's himself a ram or lamb, what he's himself a ram or lamb, what he's suggesting to him is that God himself suggesting to him is that God himself suggesting to him is that God himself will see to it that the sacrifice is will see to it that the sacrifice is will see to it that the sacrifice is there. there. there. He says this not only to reassure Isaac, He says this not only to reassure Isaac, He says this not only to reassure Isaac, but I believe to reassure himself that but I believe to reassure himself that but I believe to reassure himself that God will provide. God will provide. God will provide. They get on top of the mountain and They get on top of the mountain and They get on top of the mountain and Abraham, notice what he does in the Abraham, notice what he does in the Abraham, notice what he does in the text, he builds an altar. If you study text, he builds an altar. If you study text, he builds an altar. If you study his story, you'll note that Abraham has his story, you'll note that Abraham has his story, you'll note that Abraham has a habit of building altars. In Genesis a habit of building altars. In Genesis a habit of building altars. In Genesis chapter 12 verse 6, the Bible says he chapter 12 verse 6, the Bible says he chapter 12 verse 6, the Bible says he built an altar to mark the place of built an altar to mark the place of built an altar to mark the place of divine encounter with God. In that same divine encounter with God. In that same divine encounter with God. In that same chapter, again in verse 8, he builds chapter, again in verse 8, he builds chapter, again in verse 8, he builds another altar so that he can worship God another altar so that he can worship God another altar so that he can worship God in this new place. And then in chapter in this new place. And then in chapter in this new place. And then in chapter 13, he builds an altar in the place 13, he builds an altar in the place 13, he builds an altar in the place where God made a covenant with him.

where God made a covenant with him. where God made a covenant with him. Abraham builds altars. Abraham builds altars. Abraham builds altars. But I suggest us church today that this But I suggest us church today that this But I suggest us church today that this altar in Genesis 22 is by far the most altar in Genesis 22 is by far the most altar in Genesis 22 is by far the most important altar of his life. important altar of his life. important altar of his life. Because this is the place Because this is the place Because this is the place where he marks his obedience to God. where he marks his obedience to God. where he marks his obedience to God. On this altar, he binds his son and lays On this altar, he binds his son and lays On this altar, he binds his son and lays him on the wood. And verse 10 says he him on the wood. And verse 10 says he him on the wood. And verse 10 says he prepares to take the knife to slaughter prepares to take the knife to slaughter prepares to take the knife to slaughter his son. And in that moment, the angel his son. And in that moment, the angel his son. And in that moment, the angel of the Lord calls out to him and says, of the Lord calls out to him and says, of the Lord calls out to him and says, "Do not lay your hand on the boy. "Do not lay your hand on the boy. "Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. For now, I Do not do anything to him. For now, I Do not do anything to him. For now, I know you fear God since you have not know you fear God since you have not know you fear God since you have not withheld your son from me." withheld your son from me." withheld your son from me." After this, he lifts up his eyes. I After this, he lifts up his eyes. I After this, he lifts up his eyes. I would imagine he hears some commotion would imagine he hears some commotion would imagine he hears some commotion behind him, and he turns, and he sees a behind him, and he turns, and he sees a behind him, and he turns, and he sees a ram caught in the thicket behind him. ram caught in the thicket behind him. ram caught in the thicket behind him. And the Bible says he takes the ram, and And the Bible says he takes the ram, and And the Bible says he takes the ram, and Isaac gets off of the altar. He puts the Isaac gets off of the altar. He puts the Isaac gets off of the altar. He puts the ram on the altar, and sacrifices the ram ram on the altar, and sacrifices the ram ram on the altar, and sacrifices the ram instead of his son.

instead of his son. instead of his son. Then, at the end of this, he names the Then, at the end of this, he names the Then, at the end of this, he names the place Jehovah Jireh, place Jehovah Jireh, place Jehovah Jireh, which means the Lord will provide, or which means the Lord will provide, or which means the Lord will provide, or the Lord will see to it. the Lord will see to it. the Lord will see to it. This is what takes place in the text. This is what takes place in the text. This is what takes place in the text. And I love this story. I'm fascinated by And I love this story. I'm fascinated by And I love this story. I'm fascinated by this story, and there are so many this story, and there are so many this story, and there are so many nuances and details that we could nuances and details that we could nuances and details that we could consider. But let me just show you a few consider. But let me just show you a few consider. But let me just show you a few things that captivated me in my studies things that captivated me in my studies things that captivated me in my studies this week. this week. this week. First thing I notice is there in verse First thing I notice is there in verse First thing I notice is there in verse 1, when it says that God tested Abraham. 1, when it says that God tested Abraham. 1, when it says that God tested Abraham. This divine test. God tests Abraham. And This divine test. God tests Abraham. And This divine test. God tests Abraham. And I need us to understand that the I need us to understand that the I need us to understand that the definition of this word test is definition of this word test is definition of this word test is important because it gives us context important because it gives us context important because it gives us context behind the purpose and intent of God. behind the purpose and intent of God. behind the purpose and intent of God. Why is God testing Abraham? Why is God testing Abraham? Why is God testing Abraham? Here's why God is testing Abraham. God Here's why God is testing Abraham. God Here's why God is testing Abraham. God is testing Abraham because he wants to is testing Abraham because he wants to is testing Abraham because he wants to reveal the character of Abraham. reveal the character of Abraham. reveal the character of Abraham. God's purpose in testing Abraham was to God's purpose in testing Abraham was to God's purpose in testing Abraham was to reveal his character. It was not to to reveal his character. It was not to to reveal his character. It was not to to to lead him into sin because scripture to lead him into sin because scripture to lead him into sin because scripture is clear that God does not tempt us or is clear that God does not tempt us or is clear that God does not tempt us or lead us into sin, but he is testing him lead us into sin, but he is testing him lead us into sin, but he is testing him because he wants to reveal his because he wants to reveal his because he wants to reveal his character.

character. character. Leave that up there for a second, but we Leave that up there for a second, but we Leave that up there for a second, but we we know this because the word test in we know this because the word test in we know this because the word test in the ancient Hebrew language, it means to the ancient Hebrew language, it means to the ancient Hebrew language, it means to prove or reveal. prove or reveal. prove or reveal. We also know this because notice what We also know this because notice what We also know this because notice what the angel of the Lord says, how he the angel of the Lord says, how he the angel of the Lord says, how he responds. He says, "Now I know that you responds. He says, "Now I know that you responds. He says, "Now I know that you fear God." And what's interesting about fear God." And what's interesting about fear God." And what's interesting about that is it's not to suggest that he's that is it's not to suggest that he's that is it's not to suggest that he's unsure, or as if the angel of the Lord unsure, or as if the angel of the Lord unsure, or as if the angel of the Lord were were waiting, biting his nails, and were were waiting, biting his nails, and were were waiting, biting his nails, and waiting anxiously to see, "Does Abraham waiting anxiously to see, "Does Abraham waiting anxiously to see, "Does Abraham fear God? I'm unsure. I don't know." No, fear God? I'm unsure. I don't know." No, fear God? I'm unsure. I don't know." No, that's not what he's saying. that's not what he's saying. that's not what he's saying. What he's saying is that through your What he's saying is that through your What he's saying is that through your act of obedience, you have proven. act of obedience, you have proven. act of obedience, you have proven. It's been revealed that you are fully It's been revealed that you are fully It's been revealed that you are fully devoted to God, and you will let nothing devoted to God, and you will let nothing devoted to God, and you will let nothing come before him. come before him. come before him. So, again, remember the purpose of the So, again, remember the purpose of the So, again, remember the purpose of the test. The purpose of the test is to test. The purpose of the test is to test. The purpose of the test is to reveal his character. And as I thought reveal his character. And as I thought reveal his character. And as I thought about that, I could not help but about that, I could not help but about that, I could not help but remember some of the moments in my own remember some of the moments in my own remember some of the moments in my own life, and I believe you think about life, and I believe you think about life, and I believe you think about yours, moments of testing. Maybe you're yours, moments of testing. Maybe you're yours, moments of testing. Maybe you're in one of those moments right now, and in one of those moments right now, and in one of those moments right now, and it seems like God tends to use hard it seems like God tends to use hard it seems like God tends to use hard situations in our lives to reveal our situations in our lives to reveal our situations in our lives to reveal our character.

character. character. Cuz I'm a witness. Cuz I'm a witness. Cuz I'm a witness. And I believe someone else in this room And I believe someone else in this room And I believe someone else in this room and watching me online can agree with and watching me online can agree with and watching me online can agree with this that when life gets hard, I mean, this that when life gets hard, I mean, this that when life gets hard, I mean, when life gets really hard, it will when life gets really hard, it will when life gets really hard, it will challenge you. Even if you don't challenge you. Even if you don't challenge you. Even if you don't verbally say it, it may be a passing verbally say it, it may be a passing verbally say it, it may be a passing thought. And the thought is, "Do I thought. And the thought is, "Do I thought. And the thought is, "Do I really believe what I say I believe? really believe what I say I believe? really believe what I say I believe? And do I really believe that God is who And do I really believe that God is who And do I really believe that God is who he says he is? he says he is? he says he is? Do I really believe what I say I Do I really believe what I say I Do I really believe what I say I believe? See, when things are easy and believe? See, when things are easy and believe? See, when things are easy and everything is good and everything is everything is good and everything is everything is good and everything is relaxing, yes, you're fine. But when relaxing, yes, you're fine. But when relaxing, yes, you're fine. But when life gets hard and you feel like your life gets hard and you feel like your life gets hard and you feel like your back is against the wall, you're between back is against the wall, you're between back is against the wall, you're between a rock and a hard place, do I really a rock and a hard place, do I really a rock and a hard place, do I really believe what I say I believe? Do I believe what I say I believe? Do I believe what I say I believe? Do I really believe that God is who he says really believe that God is who he says really believe that God is who he says he is? We sing about him being a healer. he is? We sing about him being a healer. he is? We sing about him being a healer. We sing about him being a way maker. We We sing about him being a way maker. We We sing about him being a way maker. We sing about all these things, but do you sing about all these things, but do you sing about all these things, but do you really believe? Do you really believe really believe? Do you really believe really believe? Do you really believe it? it? it? Because here's what Abraham's story Because here's what Abraham's story Because here's what Abraham's story teaches us. If I believe that he is who teaches us. If I believe that he is who teaches us. If I believe that he is who he said he is, look at this, then he said he is, look at this, then he said he is, look at this, then obedience is my response obedience is my response obedience is my response to whatever he asks of me.

to whatever he asks of me. to whatever he asks of me. If I really believe that he is he said If I really believe that he is he said If I really believe that he is he said he is, then obedience is my response to he is, then obedience is my response to he is, then obedience is my response to whatever he asks of me. whatever he asks of me. whatever he asks of me. And I understand that obedience is my And I understand that obedience is my And I understand that obedience is my response, as Abraham teaches us, even response, as Abraham teaches us, even response, as Abraham teaches us, even when God asks me to do the hard thing. when God asks me to do the hard thing. when God asks me to do the hard thing. Because here's the thing, church, I Because here's the thing, church, I Because here's the thing, church, I don't want us to overlook the fact that don't want us to overlook the fact that don't want us to overlook the fact that what Abraham was asked of by God was a what Abraham was asked of by God was a what Abraham was asked of by God was a hard thing. hard thing. hard thing. And I say that because notice what the And I say that because notice what the And I say that because notice what the text does not say. The text does not say text does not say. The text does not say text does not say. The text does not say that God said to Abraham, "Abraham, go that God said to Abraham, "Abraham, go that God said to Abraham, "Abraham, go to the land of Moriah with your son and to the land of Moriah with your son and to the land of Moriah with your son and sacrifice an offering, a burnt offering sacrifice an offering, a burnt offering sacrifice an offering, a burnt offering with Isaac." Doesn't say that. The text with Isaac." Doesn't say that. The text with Isaac." Doesn't say that. The text also does not say, "Abraham, get up and also does not say, "Abraham, get up and also does not say, "Abraham, get up and take Isaac and go to the land of Moriah take Isaac and go to the land of Moriah take Isaac and go to the land of Moriah and sacrifice an offering to me on and sacrifice an offering to me on and sacrifice an offering to me on behalf of Isaac." Doesn't say that, behalf of Isaac." Doesn't say that, behalf of Isaac." Doesn't say that, either. Here's what the text says. It either. Here's what the text says. It either. Here's what the text says. It says, "Take Isaac and go offer him says, "Take Isaac and go offer him says, "Take Isaac and go offer him as the sacrifice."

as the sacrifice." as the sacrifice." Go offer him as a sacrifice. This is his Go offer him as a sacrifice. This is his Go offer him as a sacrifice. This is his command to Abraham, and how does he command to Abraham, and how does he command to Abraham, and how does he respond? He responds in obedience. respond? He responds in obedience. respond? He responds in obedience. This is powerful, and we we we admire This is powerful, and we we we admire This is powerful, and we we we admire his faithful obedience and dedication, his faithful obedience and dedication, his faithful obedience and dedication, but I cannot help but wonder, as I was but I cannot help but wonder, as I was but I cannot help but wonder, as I was reading this story, and every time I reading this story, and every time I reading this story, and every time I read it, I cannot help but wonder, did read it, I cannot help but wonder, did read it, I cannot help but wonder, did he wrestle he wrestle he wrestle at any point in his heart after hearing at any point in his heart after hearing at any point in his heart after hearing this request from God? Was was was he this request from God? Was was was he this request from God? Was was was he anxious or nervous walking up the anxious or nervous walking up the anxious or nervous walking up the mountain to the top of the mountain? Did mountain to the top of the mountain? Did mountain to the top of the mountain? Did he get any sleep the night before? he get any sleep the night before? he get any sleep the night before? Did he tell Isaac what God told him? Or Did he tell Isaac what God told him? Or Did he tell Isaac what God told him? Or better yet, did he tell Sarah? better yet, did he tell Sarah? better yet, did he tell Sarah? And if he did, how did that conversation And if he did, how did that conversation And if he did, how did that conversation go? go? go? I I I ask these questions and I think I I I ask these questions and I think I I I ask these questions and I think about these things, and unfortunately, about these things, and unfortunately, about these things, and unfortunately, the text does not tell us, but I don't the text does not tell us, but I don't the text does not tell us, but I don't want to rob Abraham of the reality of want to rob Abraham of the reality of want to rob Abraham of the reality of his humanity. his humanity. his humanity. Cuz we don't know what he felt, but we Cuz we don't know what he felt, but we Cuz we don't know what he felt, but we know what he did.

know what he did. know what he did. Paul says he obeyed God. Paul says he obeyed God. Paul says he obeyed God. And please note that his obedience is And please note that his obedience is And please note that his obedience is not blind obedience. It's not blind not blind obedience. It's not blind not blind obedience. It's not blind obedience. No, it is a wholehearted obedience. No, it is a wholehearted obedience. No, it is a wholehearted obedience that is anchored in his faith obedience that is anchored in his faith obedience that is anchored in his faith in God. Because obedience flows out of a in God. Because obedience flows out of a in God. Because obedience flows out of a heart that loves God, that believes in heart that loves God, that believes in heart that loves God, that believes in God, that is devoted to God. God, that is devoted to God. God, that is devoted to God. And that's why for me this is the And that's why for me this is the And that's why for me this is the central truth. This is the main central truth. This is the main central truth. This is the main thrust. This is the main point of the thrust. This is the main point of the thrust. This is the main point of the message. Here it is in a sentence. This message. Here it is in a sentence. This message. Here it is in a sentence. This is what the sermon is about. Our is what the sermon is about. Our is what the sermon is about. Our character character character is revealed through our obedience to God is revealed through our obedience to God is revealed through our obedience to God and our willingness to give up the thing and our willingness to give up the thing and our willingness to give up the thing we love most we love most we love most to show that we hold nothing above God. to show that we hold nothing above God. to show that we hold nothing above God. I read it again. Our character is I read it again. Our character is I read it again. Our character is revealed through our obedience to God revealed through our obedience to God revealed through our obedience to God and our willingness to give up the thing and our willingness to give up the thing and our willingness to give up the thing we love most to show that we hold we love most to show that we hold we love most to show that we hold nothing above God. nothing above God. nothing above God. This is what the text teaches us. This is what the text teaches us. This is what the text teaches us. And And here's the thing. The text shows And And here's the thing. The text shows And And here's the thing. The text shows us this and and and Abraham, yes, he is us this and and and Abraham, yes, he is us this and and and Abraham, yes, he is sacrificing his son. Please note that sacrificing his son. Please note that sacrificing his son. Please note that God could have asked Abraham for God could have asked Abraham for God could have asked Abraham for anything at any time because he's God.

anything at any time because he's God. anything at any time because he's God. He is sovereign. He is in full control He is sovereign. He is in full control He is sovereign. He is in full control of creation and he reserves the divine of creation and he reserves the divine of creation and he reserves the divine right as God, the one in the Psalms who right as God, the one in the Psalms who right as God, the one in the Psalms who who the psalmist says the earth is the who the psalmist says the earth is the who the psalmist says the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof and all Lord's and the fullness thereof and all Lord's and the fullness thereof and all the things that dwell in the earth. The the things that dwell in the earth. The the things that dwell in the earth. The earth belongs to him and all of us who earth belongs to him and all of us who earth belongs to him and all of us who abide in it. And that is why God abide in it. And that is why God abide in it. And that is why God reserves the right at any time to ask reserves the right at any time to ask reserves the right at any time to ask anything of his creation. Okay, Justin, anything of his creation. Okay, Justin, anything of his creation. Okay, Justin, I get that. I hear that. But here's the I get that. I hear that. But here's the I get that. I hear that. But here's the tension I have in the text. Why of all tension I have in the text. Why of all tension I have in the text. Why of all the things God asked for, why would God the things God asked for, why would God the things God asked for, why would God ask for this? ask for this? ask for this? God, you gave us this child. We we God, you gave us this child. We we God, you gave us this child. We we waited over 20 almost 25 years for him waited over 20 almost 25 years for him waited over 20 almost 25 years for him to come and now you are asking me to to come and now you are asking me to to come and now you are asking me to sacrifice him as a burnt offering? sacrifice him as a burnt offering? sacrifice him as a burnt offering? Friends, I don't I don't know if Abraham Friends, I don't I don't know if Abraham Friends, I don't I don't know if Abraham asked any questions in his heart. I asked any questions in his heart. I asked any questions in his heart. I don't know if he did, but when I read don't know if he did, but when I read don't know if he did, but when I read this text, I also have to admit that I this text, I also have to admit that I this text, I also have to admit that I find it very difficult to not put myself find it very difficult to not put myself find it very difficult to not put myself into the shoes of Abraham. into the shoes of Abraham. into the shoes of Abraham. Because as a father, Because as a father, Because as a father, I cannot imagine. I cannot imagine I cannot imagine. I cannot imagine I cannot imagine. I cannot imagine having to do this. And I'm not saying having to do this. And I'm not saying having to do this. And I'm not saying that I believe because I do not believe that I believe because I do not believe that I believe because I do not believe that Abraham's specific test is that Abraham's specific test is that Abraham's specific test is universal for all of us.

universal for all of us. universal for all of us. What I do believe is that when we look What I do believe is that when we look What I do believe is that when we look at this story, we celebrate his faith in at this story, we celebrate his faith in at this story, we celebrate his faith in the power of God. the power of God. the power of God. Someone so that the writer of Hebrews Someone so that the writer of Hebrews Someone so that the writer of Hebrews says in Hebrews 11 verse 17 through 19, says in Hebrews 11 verse 17 through 19, says in Hebrews 11 verse 17 through 19, look at this. It says that when he was look at this. It says that when he was look at this. It says that when he was tested, Abraham, when Abraham was tested, Abraham, when Abraham was tested, Abraham, when Abraham was tested, he offered up Isaac and he who tested, he offered up Isaac and he who tested, he offered up Isaac and he who had received the promises was in the act had received the promises was in the act had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son of whom it of offering up his only son of whom it of offering up his only son of whom it was said through Isaac shall your was said through Isaac shall your was said through Isaac shall your offspring be named. He considered, I offspring be named. He considered, I offspring be named. He considered, I love this, that God was able even to love this, that God was able even to love this, that God was able even to raise him from the dead. Which raise him from the dead. Which raise him from the dead. Which figuratively speaking, he did receive figuratively speaking, he did receive figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. him back. him back. Church, that blessed me because it shows Church, that blessed me because it shows Church, that blessed me because it shows that Abraham was so confident in God that Abraham was so confident in God that Abraham was so confident in God that he recognizes even if I do kill that he recognizes even if I do kill that he recognizes even if I do kill Isaac, the God I serve has the power to Isaac, the God I serve has the power to Isaac, the God I serve has the power to restore him back to life. restore him back to life. restore him back to life. And so Abraham was confident in God. And so Abraham was confident in God. And so Abraham was confident in God. God had all power. God has proven God had all power. God has proven God had all power. God has proven himself to be a man of his word and so himself to be a man of his word and so himself to be a man of his word and so that is why Abraham says, "I am willing that is why Abraham says, "I am willing that is why Abraham says, "I am willing to obey even at great cost to obey even at great cost to obey even at great cost because my obedience is rooted in my because my obedience is rooted in my because my obedience is rooted in my faith in God."

faith in God." faith in God." So as I thought about that, it it So as I thought about that, it it So as I thought about that, it it challenged me to think about this challenged me to think about this challenged me to think about this question. I don't want to pose this question. I don't want to pose this question. I don't want to pose this question to you. question to you. question to you. The The is this. As I look at Abraham's The The is this. As I look at Abraham's The The is this. As I look at Abraham's story and we celebrate his obedience, story and we celebrate his obedience, story and we celebrate his obedience, but here's the question we need to ask but here's the question we need to ask but here's the question we need to ask ourselves. How is my obedience to God? ourselves. How is my obedience to God? ourselves. How is my obedience to God? How is my obedience to God? How is my obedience to God? How is my obedience to God? And when he speaks to my heart about And when he speaks to my heart about And when he speaks to my heart about something he wants me to do, do I do it? something he wants me to do, do I do it? something he wants me to do, do I do it? How How is my obedience to God? And when How How is my obedience to God? And when How How is my obedience to God? And when he speaks to my heart about something he he speaks to my heart about something he he speaks to my heart about something he wants me to do, do I wants me to do, do I wants me to do, do I do it? do it? do it? I want you to sit with the weight of I want you to sit with the weight of I want you to sit with the weight of that question for a moment. that question for a moment. that question for a moment. Because as I thought about that this Because as I thought about that this Because as I thought about that this week, I was convicted. Church, I was week, I was convicted. Church, I was week, I was convicted. Church, I was convicted. Because yes, I do obey God, convicted. Because yes, I do obey God, convicted. Because yes, I do obey God, but I also at the same time wrestle with but I also at the same time wrestle with but I also at the same time wrestle with what Dr. Crawford Loritts calls what Dr. Crawford Loritts calls what Dr. Crawford Loritts calls comfortable disobedience. comfortable disobedience. comfortable disobedience. Comfortable disobedience. Because my Comfortable disobedience. Because my Comfortable disobedience. Because my flesh, and I know I'm not alone in this, flesh, and I know I'm not alone in this, flesh, and I know I'm not alone in this, my flesh wants to do what is easy and my flesh wants to do what is easy and my flesh wants to do what is easy and comfortable and convenient and my just comfortable and convenient and my just comfortable and convenient and my just and flesh will intentionally avoid hard and flesh will intentionally avoid hard and flesh will intentionally avoid hard things because doing the hard thing things because doing the hard thing things because doing the hard thing challenges me to not only trust God in challenges me to not only trust God in challenges me to not only trust God in the present, I also have to trust him the present, I also have to trust him the present, I also have to trust him for the outcome.

for the outcome. for the outcome. And trusting God for the outcome brings And trusting God for the outcome brings And trusting God for the outcome brings to light my need to be in control. to light my need to be in control. to light my need to be in control. And here's the thing, And here's the thing, And here's the thing, we all wrestle we all wrestle we all wrestle in some way, shape, or form with the in some way, shape, or form with the in some way, shape, or form with the desire for control. And that is why desire for control. And that is why desire for control. And that is why Christ tells us that to follow me, you Christ tells us that to follow me, you Christ tells us that to follow me, you must not only trust me as savior, but must not only trust me as savior, but must not only trust me as savior, but you must surrender to me as Lord. you must surrender to me as Lord. you must surrender to me as Lord. Cuz Jesus is not only my savior, he must Cuz Jesus is not only my savior, he must Cuz Jesus is not only my savior, he must also be Lord of my life. Because hear also be Lord of my life. Because hear also be Lord of my life. Because hear me, church, you cannot walk in obedience me, church, you cannot walk in obedience me, church, you cannot walk in obedience to Christ if you have not surrendered to to Christ if you have not surrendered to to Christ if you have not surrendered to him as Lord. him as Lord. him as Lord. That means trusting in his word and That means trusting in his word and That means trusting in his word and leaving the outcome of your life in his leaving the outcome of your life in his leaving the outcome of your life in his hands. hands. hands. So, we're called to this act of So, we're called to this act of So, we're called to this act of obedience. obedience. obedience. And we're called to this act of And we're called to this act of And we're called to this act of obedience and he says, "If I were to ask obedience and he says, "If I were to ask obedience and he says, "If I were to ask of you the thing that you love most, of you the thing that you love most, of you the thing that you love most, give it to me." Why? Because here's what give it to me." Why? Because here's what give it to me." Why? Because here's what he knows about us. He knows that we can he knows about us. He knows that we can he knows about us. He knows that we can turn the things we love into idols. turn the things we love into idols. turn the things we love into idols. Which means that those things in our Which means that those things in our Which means that those things in our lives that we love, they become just as lives that we love, they become just as lives that we love, they become just as important to us as God. But God is clear important to us as God. But God is clear important to us as God. But God is clear in the scriptures. The scriptures remind in the scriptures. The scriptures remind in the scriptures. The scriptures remind us that he is and should be and must be us that he is and should be and must be us that he is and should be and must be above all.

above all. above all. And so I have to guard my heart against And so I have to guard my heart against And so I have to guard my heart against the danger of divided loves. the danger of divided loves. the danger of divided loves. Jesus says, "If you want to follow me, Jesus says, "If you want to follow me, Jesus says, "If you want to follow me, you have to love me and love my father you have to love me and love my father you have to love me and love my father more than anything." more than anything." more than anything." Luke 9:23, the call to discipleship is a Luke 9:23, the call to discipleship is a Luke 9:23, the call to discipleship is a call to pick up a cross. It is a call to call to pick up a cross. It is a call to call to pick up a cross. It is a call to faithful obedience. faithful obedience. faithful obedience. And that's why he asks us, And that's why he asks us, And that's why he asks us, "Will you give me the thing "Will you give me the thing "Will you give me the thing that you love most that you love most that you love most to show that you have placed nothing to show that you have placed nothing to show that you have placed nothing above me? above me? above me? Will you give me the thing that you love Will you give me the thing that you love Will you give me the thing that you love most? Will you give me your comfort? most? Will you give me your comfort? most? Will you give me your comfort? Your your your pursuit of the things Your your your pursuit of the things Your your your pursuit of the things that make you comfortable? Will you give that make you comfortable? Will you give that make you comfortable? Will you give me those life plans and that incessant me those life plans and that incessant me those life plans and that incessant need that you have to control the need that you have to control the need that you have to control the outcome of everything? Will you give me outcome of everything? Will you give me outcome of everything? Will you give me your spouse? Will you give me your need your spouse? Will you give me your need your spouse? Will you give me your need or desire rather for spouse? Will you or desire rather for spouse? Will you or desire rather for spouse? Will you give me your children? Will you give me give me your children? Will you give me give me your children? Will you give me that longing and desire that you have that longing and desire that you have that longing and desire that you have for children? Will you give me your job? for children? Will you give me your job? for children? Will you give me your job? Will you give me your business? Will you Will you give me your business? Will you Will you give me your business? Will you give me what I have given to you? Will give me what I have given to you? Will give me what I have given to you? Will you give it to me? Will you show me?

you give it to me? Will you show me? you give it to me? Will you show me? Lord, there's nothing above you. There Lord, there's nothing above you. There Lord, there's nothing above you. There are no idols. There is nothing that are no idols. There is nothing that are no idols. There is nothing that you're competing with in my life. I you're competing with in my life. I you're competing with in my life. I trust you with everything I have. trust you with everything I have. trust you with everything I have. And I trust you with the outcome of my And I trust you with the outcome of my And I trust you with the outcome of my life. life. life. And even saying that statement, right? And even saying that statement, right? And even saying that statement, right? That is what makes obedience hard when That is what makes obedience hard when That is what makes obedience hard when you think about it. you think about it. you think about it. That's what makes obedience hard, That's what makes obedience hard, That's what makes obedience hard, because it means that I have to let go because it means that I have to let go because it means that I have to let go of my control of my control of my control and to trust God in every area. and to trust God in every area. and to trust God in every area. Obedience is not easy, Obedience is not easy, Obedience is not easy, but it's worth it. but it's worth it. but it's worth it. So, I make the choice to obey and I rest So, I make the choice to obey and I rest So, I make the choice to obey and I rest in the trustworthiness of God in the trustworthiness of God in the trustworthiness of God because he's a man of his word. because he's a man of his word. because he's a man of his word. And we see evidence of this in the text. And we see evidence of this in the text. And we see evidence of this in the text. Because God said and Abraham even told Because God said and Abraham even told Because God said and Abraham even told Isaac's that I believe God is going to Isaac's that I believe God is going to Isaac's that I believe God is going to provide. And look at what we see in the provide. And look at what we see in the provide. And look at what we see in the text. Abraham, before he goes forward text. Abraham, before he goes forward text. Abraham, before he goes forward with killing his son, the angel of the with killing his son, the angel of the with killing his son, the angel of the Lord says what he says. Abraham looks Lord says what he says. Abraham looks Lord says what he says. Abraham looks behind him. He sees the ram. And I get behind him. He sees the ram. And I get behind him. He sees the ram. And I get excited because this is the first time, excited because this is the first time, excited because this is the first time, church, in the scriptures that we see church, in the scriptures that we see church, in the scriptures that we see substitutionary atonement.

substitutionary atonement. substitutionary atonement. Substitutionary atonement is taking one Substitutionary atonement is taking one Substitutionary atonement is taking one sacrifice in place for another. Justin, sacrifice in place for another. Justin, sacrifice in place for another. Justin, why you so excited? I'm excited because why you so excited? I'm excited because why you so excited? I'm excited because this Old Testament story is pointing this Old Testament story is pointing this Old Testament story is pointing ahead to New Testament fulfillment. ahead to New Testament fulfillment. ahead to New Testament fulfillment. Because in Genesis 22, it's a ram, but Because in Genesis 22, it's a ram, but Because in Genesis 22, it's a ram, but in the Gospels, it is a lamb who will in the Gospels, it is a lamb who will in the Gospels, it is a lamb who will come and lay down his life for the sins come and lay down his life for the sins come and lay down his life for the sins of humanity so that you and I, through of humanity so that you and I, through of humanity so that you and I, through his sacrifice, will be saved from our his sacrifice, will be saved from our his sacrifice, will be saved from our sins and freed. sins and freed. sins and freed. This is what Jesus does. And I love this This is what Jesus does. And I love this This is what Jesus does. And I love this story because in many ways it points to story because in many ways it points to story because in many ways it points to the foreshadowing or it foreshadows and the foreshadowing or it foreshadows and the foreshadowing or it foreshadows and it points to the obedience of Christ. it points to the obedience of Christ. it points to the obedience of Christ. It reminds us that we are called It reminds us that we are called It reminds us that we are called to respond in obedience to God. Not to respond in obedience to God. Not to respond in obedience to God. Not because we want something from him. because we want something from him. because we want something from him. Not because we want something from him, Not because we want something from him, Not because we want something from him, but because of who he is. He is God. We but because of who he is. He is God. We but because of who he is. He is God. We are his children. We are made in his are his children. We are made in his are his children. We are made in his image. We have been bought with a price. image. We have been bought with a price. image. We have been bought with a price. We have been redeemed. And we are We have been redeemed. And we are We have been redeemed. And we are obeying him because of what he has done, obeying him because of what he has done, obeying him because of what he has done, because of who he is. And we trust that because of who he is. And we trust that because of who he is. And we trust that Jehovah Jireh is with us.

Jehovah Jireh is with us. Jehovah Jireh is with us. And so, we choose to obey, even when And so, we choose to obey, even when And so, we choose to obey, even when it's hard. it's hard. it's hard. Our answer is still yes. Our answer is still yes. Our answer is still yes. Because we've seen his faithfulness Because we've seen his faithfulness Because we've seen his faithfulness demonstrated over and over and over and demonstrated over and over and over and demonstrated over and over and over and over again. This is our hope. And so over again. This is our hope. And so over again. This is our hope. And so when we look at Abraham's story, we do when we look at Abraham's story, we do when we look at Abraham's story, we do not take away from this wondering if God not take away from this wondering if God not take away from this wondering if God will [snorts] test us or will God test will [snorts] test us or will God test will [snorts] test us or will God test us? No, it is certain God will test us. us? No, it is certain God will test us. us? No, it is certain God will test us. But he tests us because he loves us. But he tests us because he loves us. But he tests us because he loves us. And tests us because we've done And tests us because we've done And tests us because we've done something wrong. No, remember the something wrong. No, remember the something wrong. No, remember the purpose of the test, it is a divine test purpose of the test, it is a divine test purpose of the test, it is a divine test and it's to reveal our character. and it's to reveal our character. and it's to reveal our character. To show our obedience to him and that To show our obedience to him and that To show our obedience to him and that when he asks, we will say, "I hold when he asks, we will say, "I hold when he asks, we will say, "I hold nothing above you." nothing above you." nothing above you." So here's where I leave you today. I So here's where I leave you today. I So here's where I leave you today. I want to leave you with this to consider. want to leave you with this to consider. want to leave you with this to consider. Will you obey? Will you obey? Will you obey? Even when he asks you the hard thing? Even when he asks you the hard thing? Even when he asks you the hard thing? Will you obey? Will you obey? Will you obey? Will you obey and will you surrender all Will you obey and will you surrender all Will you obey and will you surrender all to me?

to me? to me? And will you trust And will you trust And will you trust that even in the midst of your test, as that even in the midst of your test, as that even in the midst of your test, as hard as it may be, hard as it may be, hard as it may be, will you look around and see that will you look around and see that will you look around and see that Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Jireh, the God who will provide, the God who will provide, the God who will provide, is with you? is with you? is with you? Father, thank you for the awesome reminder today. for the awesome reminder today. A sobering word and a beautiful story A sobering word and a beautiful story A sobering word and a beautiful story to remind us that you call us to a life of obedience. that you call us to a life of obedience. Lord, we live in a culture that is Lord, we live in a culture that is Lord, we live in a culture that is at times addicted to the pursuit of at times addicted to the pursuit of at times addicted to the pursuit of success success success and more and more and more and fame and fortune [music] and comfort and fame and fortune [music] and comfort and fame and fortune [music] and comfort and ease. and ease. and ease. Lord, you remind us through this story Lord, you remind us through this story Lord, you remind us through this story for this word that you've called us for this word that you've called us for this word that you've called us not a life of independence, but a life not a life of independence, but a life not a life of independence, but a life of dependence. of dependence. of dependence. And a life of [music] obedience to you.

And a life of [music] obedience to you. And a life of [music] obedience to you. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. That even when it is hard because we That even when it is hard because we That even when it is hard because we know that what you asked of Abraham was know that what you asked of Abraham was know that what you asked of Abraham was a hard thing. And we know, Lord, that a hard thing. And we know, Lord, that a hard thing. And we know, Lord, that our flesh wants to do its own [music] our flesh wants to do its own [music] our flesh wants to do its own [music] thing. It wants to go its own way. It thing. It wants to go its own way. It thing. It wants to go its own way. It wants its own happiness. It wants its wants its own happiness. It wants its wants its own happiness. It wants its own comfort. But thank you, Lord, that own comfort. But thank you, Lord, that own comfort. But thank you, Lord, that every day you give us the grace to walk every day you give us the grace to walk every day you give us the grace to walk in obedience. in obedience. in obedience. We cannot do it in our own power. We cannot do it in our own power. We cannot do it in our own power. We give you all that you've given us. We We give you all that you've given us. We We give you all that you've given us. We [music] give it back to you. [music] give it back to you. [music] give it back to you. We hold it with open hands. We hold it with open hands. We hold it with open hands. We trust you with all that we have. We trust you with all that we have. We trust you with all that we have. And we surrender. And we surrender. And we surrender. Because the first step to full obedience Because the first step to full obedience Because the first step to full obedience [music] [music] [music] begins with surrender. And maybe, Lord, we've been holding some And maybe, Lord, we've been holding some things back. things back. things back. Maybe we've been [music] saying, "I'll Maybe we've been [music] saying, "I'll Maybe we've been [music] saying, "I'll give you this, but I won't give you give you this, but I won't give you give you this, but I won't give you that." that." that." But, Lord, we surrender But, Lord, we surrender But, Lord, we surrender all. We surrender We surrender all.

As a matter of fact, church, would you As a matter of fact, church, would you do me this favor before we sing? do me this favor before we sing? do me this favor before we sing? As a sign and a symbol of our As a sign and a symbol of our As a sign and a symbol of our willingness to surrender. willingness to surrender. willingness to surrender. If you can, would you just [music] lift If you can, would you just [music] lift If you can, would you just [music] lift your hands all over this room? your hands all over this room? your hands all over this room? As a sign of surrender. As a sign of surrender. As a sign of surrender. That, Lord, whatever I need to give to That, Lord, whatever I need to give to That, Lord, whatever I need to give to you, I'll give it. you, I'll give it. you, I'll give it. I surrender my children's lives into I surrender my children's lives into I surrender my children's lives into your [music] hand. Whatever they will your [music] hand. Whatever they will your [music] hand. Whatever they will become, whatever they will be, whatever become, whatever they will be, whatever become, whatever they will be, whatever hard decisions [music] that need to be hard decisions [music] that need to be hard decisions [music] that need to be made, Lord, I give them to you. made, Lord, I give them to you. made, Lord, I give them to you. My grandchildren, Lord, the desires that My grandchildren, Lord, the desires that My grandchildren, Lord, the desires that I have, maybe a longing for this or I have, maybe a longing for this or I have, maybe a longing for this or longing for spouse, a longing for longing for spouse, a longing for longing for spouse, a longing for children, or longing for different job, children, or longing for different job, children, or longing for different job, or longing for something else. Whatever or longing for something else. Whatever or longing for something else. Whatever it is, I give it [music] to you. it is, I give it [music] to you. it is, I give it [music] to you. I've been carrying it. Even if it's I've been carrying it. Even if it's I've been carrying it. Even if it's grief. Lord, I give it to you. grief. Lord, I give it to you. grief. Lord, I give it to you. I cannot [music] carry the weight of I cannot [music] carry the weight of I cannot [music] carry the weight of this on my own. I cannot carry it. I try this on my own. I cannot carry it. I try this on my own. I cannot carry it. I try to fix it and I make a mess of it every to fix it and I make a mess of it every to fix it and I make a mess of it every time.

time. time. So, Lord, I surrender. So, Lord, I surrender. So, Lord, I surrender. I thank you for the freedom that comes I thank you for the freedom that comes I thank you for the freedom that comes [music] in surrender. [music] in surrender. [music] in surrender. And I will obey And I will obey And I will obey because I delight in you. because I delight in you. because I delight in you. I thank you for your word. I thank you I thank you for your word. I thank you I thank you for your word. I thank you [music] for your truth. I thank you for [music] for your truth. I thank you for [music] for your truth. I thank you for the way that you lead me. the way that you lead me. the way that you lead me. It's not burdensome, It's not burdensome, It's not burdensome, but it is beautiful. but it is beautiful. but it is beautiful. Lord, help us to surrender. [music] Help Lord, help us to surrender. [music] Help Lord, help us to surrender. [music] Help us to obey. us to obey. us to obey. And we hold nothing back. And we hold nothing back. And we hold nothing back. We give all to you, We give all to you, We give all to you, our blessed savior. our blessed savior. our blessed savior. We surrender all in Jesus' name. >> Thanks again for listening to the word >> Thanks again for listening to the word of God. We are blessed [music] to reach of God. We are blessed [music] to reach of God. We are blessed [music] to reach you throughout the week through whatever you throughout the week through whatever you throughout the week through whatever platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're needing [music] prayer or you want to needing [music] prayer or you want to needing [music] prayer or you want to talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at fellowshipar.com/contact. fellowshipar.com/contact. fellowshipar.com/contact. [music] [music] [music] Have a great week.