I KNOW THAT THOU FEAREST GOD(PART II)

1. THE SETTING FOR THAT CONCLUSION(Genesis 22:1-2)
A. The Background Leading to this Setting -- "And it came to pass after these things" Genesis 22:1a – joins the beginning of this chapter with the events that happened in the previous chapter (the birth of Isaac, Hagar and her son, and the covenant with Abimelech). Abraham made a covenant with Abimelech and called that place where they both swear Beersheba. From this place Abraham called on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God. Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days. Sometimes after seeing God's faithfulness and mercy; there comes a test, a proving to know what is in our heart.
B. The Backbone of this Setting -- Genesis 22:1b, 2
The word "tempt" is the Hebrew word "nasah" which means to test, try or prove. God never tempts a man to do evil (James 1:13). God was testing, proving Abraham’s FAITH with regard to Isaac as the promised seed(Genesis 17:19). This reminds me of Deuteronomy 8:2 "And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments or no."

The detailed description of Abraham’s relationship to Isaac, "thy son," "thine only son...," "whom thou lovest," draws out the supreme significance of this whole event. This is a picture of the very intimate fellowship between God the Son and God the Father: "only begotten Son" (John 3:16); "Thou art my son" (Hebrews 1:5-6); "Thou art my beloved Son" (Luke 3:21-22).

With three simple imperatives (commands), take, get thee(go), and offer; the Lord makes His will known unto Abraham. This testing, proving of Abraham’s FAITH, is to be an example to us and also a TEST for a believer to see that FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD (Rom. 4:1-5; James 2:14-26; I Peter 1:7). Our WORKS are our only visible testimony to man of our FAITH in a Merciful, Righteous, Longsuffering, and Almighty God. God-initiated faith will result in a supernatural change that will be noticeable in one's activity. Romans 6:22 talks about FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD this way "But now being made free from sin, and become SERVANTS TO GOD, ye have your FRUIT UNTO HOLINESS, and the end everlasting life." What a blessing to know that our FRUIT/WORKS IN CHIRST is unto holiness because it represents a Holy God.
C. The Brief but Significant Response While in this Setting -- Genesis 22:1c "Behold, here I am"
When God spoke to Abraham, he responded with total submission by stating literally "behold me." Abraham understood Who was talking "the LORD God Most High, maker of heaven and earth; the everlasting God" and that demanded reverence, respect, and submission on his part when God spoke. I wonder if today we, Christians, have the same view of God as Abraham had. The same God that Abraham worshipped is the same God that we, Christians, are worshipping now. God never changes (James 1:17).

Since Abraham was very familiar to the voice of God because of his intimate fellowship or walk with Him; his response was immediate. When we walk closely with God we can discerned His voice and respond as Abraham did "Behold, here I am." How can this be done? By reading, meditating, and living by every word that comes out from the mouth of God, the Bible. James 1:19 says "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be SWIFT TO HEAR, slow to speak, slow to wrath." Is that us? I think that many "Christians" now a days are very swift to speak, quick to wrath, and very slow in hearing the Word of God. Hopefully that is not you!