Title Final Exam/Genesis 22:1-19
There is a program called Brix among the entertainment programs at the robber's house. However, at first, this game is very easy, so I say that there is an easy game like this. However, the further back you go, the more difficult it is to win the match with a lot of brain power. But the interesting thing is that people who have been training step by step from the beginning do not easily fail because they have the ability to adapt even afterward. Even if you fail, you will be able to adapt and the number of times will be significantly reduced.
On March 1st, the middle and high school students of our church went hiking on Mt. Mari, and at first it was flat, so anyone could easily whistle and climb comfortably. However, as we went to the top, the slope of the stairs became steeper and there were ice and snow, which made it slippery and dangerous, tempting us to give up. But fortunately, not a single friend gave up and there were no accidents. For some, there must have been friends who clenched their teeth because it was a waste to climb to the top, while others must have had the ability to adapt to the mountains, though it was difficult. The important thing is that the next time you climb the mountain again, it won't be as difficult as the last time. Because we have already trained to climb that mountain.
Abraham trained in the faith for 25 years of his life. The training was not an easy course. Sometimes I had to cheat and sometimes it was so hard that I sat down and was dumbfounded. There were days when I had to stay awake because of fear, and I had to go through a very difficult training to drive away my children. Last time we looked at it under the title of Trailer. Now Abraham must take the final exam. The test was quite difficult, seemingly impossible, as it was the sum total of the tests I had taken so far. We know all too well that Abraham passed this final exam with an A+. The story of how he became the forefather of faith by obeying the command to offer his one and only son as a burnt offering (the burnt offering was a sacrifice to be sacrificed and cut with fire), given by God's promise! Now, looking at Abraham taking the final exam, we are going to close the lecture that we have been studying for a long time (about 22 times, 9 months - 12 sermons on September 18) on the subject of faith.
First, we should briefly outline the text and go through it.
After that day in verse 1 means after the negotiation with Abimelech. In the words “to test you”, the final exam is starting. However, Abraham, who faithfully passed the trailer, a mid-term test, announces that he has grown up with the answer, "Here I am." When was the last time God had answered Abraham with such joy when he called him? It was the first answer of faith in Abraham's life. However, at this time, God gives Abraham a final exam question, and the problem is quite serious. This is because it is to offer the Isaac that God has given as the promised descendant. With the questions, resentment, and protests that arise like clouds in his heart, Abraham obeys. I can't even discuss it with my wife early in the morning, so I go on a trip to burn my children with the agony of being alone in my heart. It took 3 days to reach Mount Moriah, and the conflict seemed to dry up Abraham's blood. Nevertheless, the reason he was able to obey without going back the way Abraham had gone is because Abraham knew and believed in the God he had experienced before.
There is still an important story in the text that we should pay attention to. It's about Isaac. Scholars are divided about the age of Isaac. But whether Isaac is 15 or 23, it doesn't matter. The problem is Isaac's deadly obedience. We can simply think about it. As Isaac watched his father's journey of faith more closely than anyone else, he learned his father's faith. Growing up in the image of sincere faith with works, Isaac did not know how to act differently. This is an important point of the home. bind the children. He builds a tree and puts his child on it. And he draws a knife. He takes the knife and approaches the child. Then he raises his sword and raises it high to stab the child with all his might. At that moment, the voice of God is heard. "Abraham, Abraham! I knew you loved me more than your children." A+. Final exam A+ !
I don't know if one day you will have a final exam in the same subject as Abraham. At that time, those who had a disciplined faith like Abraham, who had been trained for a long time in the school of obedience, would need no other words. There is only silent obedience. We must continue to prepare.
Now, by summarizing the life of Abraham, we can draw roughly three conclusions about faith. First, faith grows. It is a fact that the life of faith does not end once you leave Haran. Second, faith is a discipline of obedience. Faith and obedience are two sides of the same coin, and that is only possible through discipline. Finally, faith thus requires patience. Abraham was 25 years old, but how do we know it will take 40 years? The life of faith is not a short-term battle, but a long-term battle. Therefore, you must have constant patience. ( * )