Faith to Carry the Fire

​God allows tests in our lives to prove our faith. Brian Simmons and his team of translators explain in a Genesis 22 footnote in The Passion Translation that "...The word 'tested' is derived etymologically from a word that means 'elevated banner' like a flag flying high above ship or a victory banner elevated over an army." The test that Abraham took made him great—so much so that he is called our Father of Faith. (Romans 4:11, 12) Abraham’s son, Isaac, was included in this test of faith. How so? Let's look at the story of God testing the faith of Abraham in Genesis 22. (I will be quoting from The Passion Translation.)
 
"God said, 'Please take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom I know you dearly love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him up to me as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will show you.’" (Verse 2) Do not miss the significance of a burnt offering! It was a complete one in that everything was consumed by the fire. Only ashes remained after the burning. You could call this a sacrifice of total commitment. Also, it is interesting to note that Moriah means "chosen by Yahweh." Moriah comes from the root word meaning "sight" or "vision." This location is inside the present-day walls of Jerusalem, on the Temple Mount, where God would have Solomon build the Temple.
 
Abraham and Isaac's journey to Mt. Moriah took three days. When the Mount was in view, Abraham told his servants to remain so that he and Isaac could go and "worship." Worship involves sacrifice. The wood for the offering was placed on Isaac's back. (This is a foreshadow of Christ carrying His cross.) Abraham carried the "knife and fire." This brings to mind God's requirement that each of us must carry the flame of God to truly worship Him. When Isaac questioned the whereabouts of the sacrificial lamb, Abraham responded, "My son, God will provide Himself the lamb for the burnt offering." (Genesis 22:8 - NKJV) Arriving at their destination, father and son must have had a terrifying moment. But Isaac allowed himself to be tied and laid on the altar of sacrifice.
 
As Abraham took the knife in his hand to plunge it into his son, he heard the angel of the Lord call out to him. "Do not lay a hand on the boy or harm him, for now I know you are fully dedicated to me since you did not withhold your son, your beloved son, from me." (Verse 12) Not only were Abraham and Isaac confirming their faith in God, but they were allowing God to be "The Resurrected One." Obedience brings provision at the eleventh hour and deepens one’s capacity to obey.
 
God came to Abraham with a ram for the burnt offering. He called the place where the sacrifice was given, "The Lord Will Provide" or "Jehovah Jireh." Not only did Abraham receive the provision for his sacrifice, but he also got a promise: "I will greatly bless you! I will make sure your seed becomes as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand of the seashore. Your offspring will take possession of the city gates of their enemies. Because you have obeyed me, the entire world will be blessed through your seed." (Verses 17, 18)
 
We are Abraham's seed (Gal. 3:29), dear ones, and God continues to refine our faith. This means that we will have to go through tests that make no sense. He requires us to be obedient in following His instructions even when we do not know the details of what is involved. However, we can trust that the outcome will be glorious because Father God always provides for our needs and grows our faith in the process.