The Opportunity
I'm reflecting on the life of Abraham, that great man of faith whose life raises as many questions as it provides answers. In particular, I've been thinking about Gen. 22 and his great test of faith, the sacrifice of Isaac. When I envision God asking me to sacrifice, it plays like a scene from Saving Private Ryan. "Sure, Lord, I'll go out in a blaze of glory for you. Count on me to become the next martyr/legend in our great cause." Then I rush off to throw my body in front of some orphans who are being gunned down by crazed rebels in some third-world genocide." Heather weeps silently, yet manages to say, "He was a good man, my husband." Others nod in sad agreement.
Abraham's final test of faith was nothing like that. He was called not to sacrifice himself but something dear to him. Abraham, if he were to commit the deed, would not die and be memorialized in legend. He would survive but be left without his greatest source of comfort, his hope for the future.
I wonder how I would respond if God asked me to sacrifice that which is dearest to me. (My bicycle, as I'm sure everyone knows.)
We conceive of faith as believing that God exists, and it is that. And we think of faith as believing that God is great, that he can perform miracles (such as the conception of Isaac), and it is that too.
Yet there is more to it. Faith is the absolute belief that God is good, that his way is best, and that wherever he directs you to go is a better place than where you are now. Faith is willingness to say "yes" to God, regardless of the question.
Abraham said yes without hesitation, and he did indeed become a man of legend.
I think of another man, a rich ruler who asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life.” Jesus said, “Sell you possessions, give everything to the poor, then come follow me.” He walked away sadly, the Bible says, because he was very wealthy. We never hear of him again.
I'm praying that I may see my test of faith, when it comes, not as a sacrifice but as an opportunity that will lead me to a better place.
How would you define faith? Continue Reading >
5 Comments:
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Excellent observations regarding faith.
I do believe that biblical faith is contingent upon (and perhaps almost synonymous with) personal love. The faith that was counted unto Abraham as righteousness was more than his placing a bet upon the better God. It was about believing in God--believing in who he says he is and what he says he is doing. It's not unlike believing in a friend--it isn't a question of mere existence, but in who he is and what he can do . . . because you love that person, you believe in him or her.
Faith is more about friendship with God than ontology (though of course, beleving in the other's existence is a crucial starting place for a sane relationship).
Agreed, true faith is impossible without a relationship. To me- faith in God has to do with trusting Him to be GOOD. We can believe in God, agree with all the "stuff", feel that we have a relationship with our Creator, but if we don't TRUST that every single one of His intentions are good, and that His purpose is to love and bless us- we are going to have a hard time following what He asks us to do when it looks (to our human eyes) that what He asks is going to turn out awful. Knowing God's character through His word is a huge piece of having "Abraham-like" faith, yes?
Thanks for the great post, it reminded me to thank God for His goodness and amazing ways- here's to believing God is who He says He is. :)
Craig, I like you idea but I'm not sure I see it in the text. Thinking of Abraham specifically, where does love or friendship precede his decision to trust God?
I don't disagree that our response to God is, in part, based on our relationship, but I see faith as leading to that relationship, not springing from it.
Do we believe God is there because we love him? Or because he is there?
Good point. Do you think there is a difference between "believing God is there" and acting out in faith on that belief? I think that is a big factor. The Bible does make it clear that many "believe" in God (even the demons), but don't live active, engaged lives of faith...and I think that is because they don't have a RELATIONSHIP with Him. What do you think? If Abraham had been asked to sacrifice his son- early in his life, when his walk with God was still young, would he have responded the same way? He certainly didn't act in faith when he lied and let his wife be taken to save his own skin multiple times. Was it because he didn't believe in God...or because he didn't "actively" BELIEVE God- have faith that God would provide an escape? Hmmmm...:)
Something interesting- when the NT talks about Abraham acting in faith in Hebrews 11, it is the greek word "pistis" a noun. And when it talks about him "believing God and it was credited to him as righteousness" in Romans 4:3, the word is "pisteuo"- same root, but this one is a VERB. Active belief/faith. Cool, yes? God bless you, and again, thanks for bringing a discussion that has me praising God for His sweet believers and His wonderful Word.
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