“Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” (Genesis 22:12)
Now why would God, who knows all say, “Now I know that you truly fear God…” We know that Almighty God is omniscient. He knew Abraham wasn’t going withhold even his son of promise from God.
I talked with my friend about this and we came to the conclusion that it wasn’t so much God needing to know, but that Abraham needed to know. Perhaps, and this is conjecture, Abraham loved his Isaac so much that he began to worship the gift rather than God the Giver of the gift.
And God knew that every believer from that time on, would need to see Abraham’s example and even give back to God that which God promises.
Which brings me to my own Jericho walk. There may be a time when the Lord tells me, “Coleen, I want you to offer my promise to you as a sacrifice. I want you to give it back to me.”
What can I say to that?
“Yes, Lord.” is the answer I need to give him, just as Abraham didn’t question God in his asking for Isaac. The advantage I have over Abraham is that I have the story of Abraham’s obedience to encourage me to give back to the Lord what he has given me. As I see God providing for Abraham, I know God will provide for us.
I will be obedient. “Lord, if you are asking me to give up Ebenezer Productions, back to you I give it.”
And the Lord answers, “Remember Abraham, and remember the promises I’ve given you. Let them be a light to show you the way.”