The bold and daring things we do
Now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me. – Genesis 22:12
Genesis 22:1-13
“God tested Abraham’s faith. ‘Abraham!’ God called out. ‘Yes,’ he answered. ‘I am here.’ ‘Take your son, your only son, yes, Isaac, whom you cherish deeply, and journey to the land of Moriah. Go and offer him as a burnt sacrifice on one of the mountains that I will reveal to you.’”
“Isaac looked at Abraham and asked, ‘Father?’ ‘Yes, my child?’ Abraham replied. ‘We have the fire and the wood,’ the boy said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’ ‘God will provide a lamb for the burnt offering, my son,’ Abraham responded. And they continued on together.”
“When they reached the location that God had instructed him to go, Abraham constructed an altar and arranged the wood upon it. Then he bound his son, Isaac, and placed him on the altar on top of the wood. And Abraham raised the knife to sacrifice his son.”
“At that moment, the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’ ‘Yes,’ Abraham answered. ‘I am here!’ ‘Do not harm the boy!’ the angel commanded. ‘Do not injure him in any manner . . ..’”
“He took the ram and offered it as a burnt sacrifice in place of his son.”
The Courage to Overcome Challenges
President John F. Kennedy, in his iconic speech at Rice University, September 12, 1962, invoked the words of William Bradford, a leader of the Plymouth Bay Colony, to emphasize the enduring truth that “all great and honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties and both must be undertaken and overcome with answerable courage.” This historical reflection served as a prelude to Kennedy’s bold vision for humanity’s future, a vision rooted in the relentless pursuit of knowledge and progress. He reminded his audience that humanity’s determination to explore and innovate cannot be deterred, even in the face of immense challenges.
Why the Moon?
Kennedy posed a question that resonated deeply: “But why, some say, the moon?” He acknowledged the skepticism surrounding such an ambitious goal. He likened it to other monumental human endeavors, such as climbing the highest mountain, flying across the Atlantic, or even the spirited rivalry of Rice playing Texas. His answer was both profound and inspiring: “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”
This declaration underscored the essence of human ambition, the willingness to embrace challenges that test the limits of our energy, skills, and resolve. Kennedy framed the moon landing as a challenge that humanity was not only willing to accept but also determined to achieve, setting a standard for future generations to aspire to greatness.
The Father’s Perspective: Beyond Human Understanding
In life, there are moments when we are called to undertake tasks that seem irrational or even impossible. Why does this happen? The answer lies in the nature of the Father’s wisdom. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
The Father’s reasoning is rooted in faith and His eternal purpose, which we can only glimpse in fleeting moments. His perspective challenges us to trust in what we cannot fully see or comprehend.
Faith Tested Through Action
Faith is not merely a declaration; it is a demonstration. The Father tests our faith to reveal its authenticity, and this is done through our actions. As James 2:14-20 eloquently explains: “Faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”
The Greek word for “useless” is argos. It means “not working, of no benefit, unprofitable, worthless, accomplishes nothing, of no beneficial use.’’ It literally means “not working,” thus “idle or lazy,” conveys a sense of “idleness or inactivity,” contrasting sharply with the word for “works,” ergan. There is a subtle play on words in Greek that is not apparent in English. The Greek word for “works” or “deed” is ergan. Perhaps with a twinkle in his eye, James is saying faith without ergan is argos. In Greek, the word order is “faith without action useless is.” James cleverly highlights that underscores the futility of faith without action.
The Harmony of Faith and Deeds
Faith and action are not opposing forces; they are complementary. One validates the other. James 2:21-23 uses the example of Abraham, whose willingness to offer his son Isaac demonstrated the completeness of his faith: “His faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.”
Abraham’s story illustrates that genuine faith is transformative, leading to actions that align with divine purpose. His faith was not only counted as righteousness but also earned him the title of “friend of God.”
REFLECT & PRAY
There are times when I think without truly believing, and other times when I believe without fully considering the implications. This tension reminds me that faith is a journey, a process of growth that requires both trust and action.
Father, I yearn for a faith that is genuine, tangible, and transformative. May it impact every aspect of my life, both inwardly and outwardly. Just as it took time for me to learn to walk by sight, I understand that walking by faith is a gradual process. Help me to grow into a person whose faith is evident through actions that reflect Your purpose.
INSIGHT
Faith vs. Phony Faith
James, in his epistle, does not dismiss the importance of faith. On the contrary, James acknowledges that faith alone has the power to save. However, what James vehemently opposes is a hollow, superficial faith, a faith that exists only in words and lacks any tangible evidence of its authenticity. As Stanley aptly puts it, “James does not quarrel with faith. He understands that faith alone can save someone. What he opposes is a phony faith, the kind that supposedly exists without giving any practical confirmation of its existence.”
This sentiment is captured in James 2:18, where he challenges the notion of faith without action: “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
James emphasizes that genuine faith is not passive; it is active and demonstrated through deeds.
Abraham’s Test: Faith in Action
The story of Abraham in Genesis 22 illustrates faith in action. Abraham’s journey to Mount Moriah demonstrates his unwavering trust in God, even when confronted with a command that appeared incomprehensible, illogical, cruel, and even barbaric.
.
Abraham heard the truth, believed it, and acted upon it. He was willing to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, because he trusted the Father’s plan, even though he did not fully understand it. This act of obedience was not about the completion of the sacrifice but about Abraham’s willingness to follow through.
The Father’s True Intent
The Father never intended for Abraham to carry out the sacrifice of Isaac. Instead, it was a test, a divine examination of Abraham’s faith. The angel’s intervention at the critical moment revealed the true purpose of the command in Genesis 22:12: “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”
In place of Isaac, the Father provided a ram for the sacrifice, demonstrating His provision and grace. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh, meaning “The LORD will provide,” a name that continues to resonate as a reminder of the Father’s faithfulness.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
The story of Abraham and Isaac underscores a timeless truth: actions speak louder than words. Faith is not merely a declaration; it is a demonstration. Abraham’s willingness to act on his faith proved its authenticity, setting an example for all believers.
Every child of the King will face their own“Isaac moment,” a time when their faith is tested and they are called to obey, even when the road ahead seems bewildering, ominous, shrouded in uncertainty and darkness. These moments may occur more than once, but they serve as opportunities to grow in trust and reliance on the Father.
Remembering Yahweh-Yireh
In times of testing, we find comfort in the name Yahweh-Yireh, “The LORD will provide.” Just as the Father provided for Abraham, He will provide for us in our moments of need. Our faith, when paired with action, becomes a living testimony of His provision and grace.
Let us remember that faith is not static; it is dynamic, growing stronger through the challenges we face and the actions we take. As we walk in faith, may our lives reflect the truth that the Father’s plans, though sometimes mysterious, are always for our good.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
© Dr. H 2025
