As another school year winds down, I am reminded of a life-long reality: testing is part of life – not just school. No matter who you are or how old you may be, you will be tested from time to time.

Life is tougher than school – it gives the tests first! The lessons follow.

In the 22nd chapter of Genesis, we hear of a major test God gave Abraham, a man of real faith. God asks Abraham to take his son, Isaac – the promised child – up a mountain to sacrifice him to God.

What!

If you don’t know this story please check it out before I spoil it for ya (Gen. 22).

God asks Abraham to kill his son, his only beloved son, whom God gave to him after 25 years of waiting.

God asks Abraham to kill his own son?!?

This is a serious test. It’s a deep mystery. It’s a ponderous story of ancient faith. I wonder many things: does God “test” people? What could possibly be accomplished by such a request? What’s God’s purpose? What’s Isaac experiencing here? What’s Abraham thinking?

First, God does test people from time to time. God never *tempts* however. The devil tempts in order to weaken our faith. God *tests* us in order to strengthen our faith.

Here God asks an incredible act of selfless obedience. Abraham “lifts his eyes” toward the goal of obeying exactly what God has asked, rather than questioning God or complaining.

Abraham’s obedience is a result of his trust in God. Abraham trusts. He trusts that God loves him, that God has only his best in mind, that God will provide.

After his obedience and evident willingness to carry out the near sacrifice of his son, God does provide, an alternative – a ram – for the sacrifice. Wow, imagine the new life Abraham & Isaac experienced AFTER the test was passed.

Finally, what does this say about God – to test a man with such a command? What kind of God would do such a thing?

A God who is willing -Himself – to sacrifice His only, beloved Son, putting Him to the test as well, expecting obedience and thereby providing new life for us, the rest of His children.