mountain

When Abraham was over eighty years old, God made him a wonderful promise: "A son coming from your own body will be your heir. Look up at the heavens and count the stars - so shall your offspring be" (Genesis 15:4-5).

Many years went by without any indication that God would fulfill this promise.  Finally, when Abraham was one hundred years old (and his wife, Sarah, was ninety) God fulfilled His promise through the birth of Isaac. But when Isaac was a young boy, God told Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son.

Genesis 22:2  "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."

We can't even imagine receiving this type of command from God.  Abraham loved Isaac; and Isaac also represented the fulfillment of God's promise.  But Abraham didn't even question the apparent conflict between God's promise and His command...he simply believed and obeyed.  Abraham took Isaac and climbed the mountain, placed him on top of a pile of wood, and "took the knife to slay his son" (Genesis 22:10).

Many people speculate about the turmoil in Abraham's mind during this time, but Scripture gives no indication that Abraham ever seemed anxious or concerned.  He believed in God, believed His promises, and his faith never seemed to waver.  As Abraham was about to kill his son, God stopped him and provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice (Genesis 22:13).

God put Abraham through an unimaginable test of faith... but why?  The test wasn't for God - surely God already knew of Abraham's faith!  It's possible the test was given in order to strengthen Abraham's faith.  God often tests us as a way of refining and drawing us closer to Himself.  But I believe the main reason for Abraham being asked to climb the mountain was so we would have a clear picture of what it means to believe and trust God.

Belief is central to the gospel message.  It is so important that God gave a picture through Abraham which allows us to truly understand what Jesus meant when He said; "whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

God is calling us to believe.  He is calling us to a life of faith where we have such a strong assurance of His presence that He is all we need...all we value and hold dear.  Let's give ourselves completely to Him, without ANY reservation - let's truly believe!  Let's give Him ALL our heart and be willing to sacrifice ALL for His glory and honor.  Let's once and for all climb the mountain of faith.

-steve troxel