Introduction

Memory Text: “Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things” (Genesis 24:1, NKJV).

God’s promises finally came to fulfillment; Sarah bore Abraham a son in his old age. God afterward asks Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac Abraham almost did, if not for the replacement of Isaac with a ram. This story is not only as astonishing as it appears, it also reveals more of the plan of salvation. A lot more about the life of Abraham will be discussed this week.

What lessons can we draw from Abraham’s test in Genesis 22:1-12?

Abraham’s test refers to the idea of judgment on the part of Abraham but it also brings to mind the assurance of God’s grace on behalf of the tested. Abraham will do what God asks because he trusts God and that is really, what faith is about but all these deeds would not even be enough to save him. That is why God prepares a ram for Him, showing God’s grace. We have a role to play to God, but God’s grace reigns notwithstanding.

How does the sacrifice at Mount Moriah prefigure the sacrifice on the cross?

Abraham explained thus “In the mount where the LORD is seen”, Jesus is the one seen here on Mount Moriah. Jesus also in the future pointed back to Abraham’s prophetic utterance when He said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad”. Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 154 reads thus,

“It was to impress Abraham’s mind with the reality of the gospel, as well as to test his faith, that God commanded him to slay his son. The agony which he endured during the dark days of that fearful trial was permitted that he might understand from his own experience something of the greatness of the sacrifice made by the infinite God for man’s redemption.”

How do we see the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham concerning Canaan land in the death and burial of Sarah?

The specification that Sarah died in the Promised Land underlines the rooting of Sarah’s death in God’s promise of the land. Abraham also seems interested in not just acquiring the burial place but also settling in the land permanently.

Why is Abraham so concerned that his son does not marry a woman from the Canaanites?

Abraham was so concerned that his son does not marry a woman from the Canaanites because just the same way he was concerned about acquiring the land in order to bury his wife. He did not want Isaac to settle outside the Promised Land, he made his servant bring his wife to him and made him swear not to take Isaac over there. The Canaanites were also known for their involvement in idolatry and Isaac as the one through which God would be fulfilled will not have to be led into apostasy.

What do the final events in Abraham’s life as recorded in Genesis 24:67-25:8 teach us about God’s covenant with Abraham?

Abraham had six other sons after the death of Sarah; however, Abraham sent these sons away in order to avoid any influence on the promised son, Isaac. The fact that He had many other sons, points to the fact that the promise to Abraham is evident already. Isaac however remains the son through which God’s promise will be fulfilled.

In Conclusion,

Abraham’s test was not only a test of faith but also a prefigure of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Abraham’s son’s sacrifice would not be enough atonement, God’s grace came into play in His provision of the ram. Abraham’s servant prayed that God reveals to him the woman for his master, Isaac, God answered this prayer, this shows us that God is the controller of chance and He causes things to happen. We still need God’s guidance and grace in our lives today, we only have to trust in God just as Abraham did and even his servant did at some point. I pray that God gives us the grace to trust in Him more in Jesus’ name.