We learn of three tests in Genesis 22 that God gave to Abraham. In this post we’ll examine the second test. The second test God gave to Abraham and gives to us is: The Obedience Test (Genesis 22:3)
In Genesis 22:3 we read “Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of the servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.” In response to God’s command to offer Isaac as a burnt offering Abraham “got up” and “set out.” In other words, Abraham obeyed God. God tested Abraham’s obedience and He does the same with us.
As with Abraham, God tests our trust in Him through our obedience to Him. And the real test here is in response time. God’s looking to see if we obey right away. God wants us to be like Abraham by obeying without delaying, for delayed obedience is disobedience. I often hear Kristin telling our children “Listen and obey right away.” Well this is what God wants from his children too.
- The Bible tells us that our very first step after salvation is to be water baptized. Have you obeyed or delayed? God is testing your obedience. Have you passed or failed?
- The Bible tells us that saved people serve people. Have you obeyed? Are you serving somewhere here at our church? Or have you delayed? God is testing your obedience. Have you passed or failed?
- The Bible tells us that we’re to give of our tithes and offerings. Some people delay obedience in this area of their lives by spending everything they make and then some on themselves (The average American now spends $1.36 for every $1 they earn). This is why our nation and its inhabitants are riddled with debt. When you give you break the power of materialism and your life which is why God instructs us to give in the first place but many people don’t obey God in this area of their lives – and are reaping the consequences as their greed grows in power and they go deeper and deeper into debt. God is testing your obedience. Have you passed or failed?
- The Bible tells us we were created for community. Have you joined a growth group? God is testing your obedience. Have you passed or failed?
Maybe you are wondering: What’s the danger of delaying obedience? What’s the big deal? Well the Bible is very clear: If you won’t obey God in the current step he’s told you to take he won’t reveal to you the next step in his plan for your life. If you don’t care about filling your God-given destiny on this earth then don’t worry about obedience. But if you want to see God’s plan for your life come to fruition you need to obey. It’s the only way you will end up where God wants you to be.
We see this clearly in the life of Abraham. God told him in Genesis 22:2 to go to the region of Moriah and that once he was there he would be shown the mountain on which to sacrifice the burnt offering. God didn’t tell him right away. He waited to see if Abraham would obey step one before revealing to him step two. It’s only because Abraham got up and set out without delay in v3 that God then revealed to him where exactly he was to make the sacrifice in v9. Once Abraham obeyed step one God gave him step two. It’s only once you obey that God will give you the next step in his plan for your life.
Do not make the mistake of thinking that your disobedience is without effect – without consequence. Whether you realize it or not you are holding back the fulfillment of your God-given destiny through your disobedience. You are also eliminating the possibility that God will be Jehovah Jireh your Provider. His provision is available to those who love him more than anyone or anything else AND for those who obey, like Abraham did.
Answer this question in your heart: Are you passing the obedience test? What area of your life are you disobeying God in (in your relationships, in your finances, by refusing to serve God through your church or whatever it might be) and will you surrender that area of your life to God today?