“…For now I know that thou fearest God…” (Genesis 22:12)
The Bible teaches that God is all-knowing, or omniscient. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. He is the Creator, Controller, and Consummator. There is nothing that God does not see or know about His Creation, especially His own people. It is not what God knows about you. It is what you know God knows about you. What does God know about you? Are you a person of faith?
To enable you to answer these two questions, note the following example of Abraham’s works of faith and God’s reply to his obedience.
The story of Abraham carrying Isaac up the mountain to be offered as a sacrifice upon God’s command is found in Genesis 22:1-14. Verse one gives the reason of God’s command: “…that God did tempt (try) Abraham…” Notwithstanding the great spiritual types of Abraham as God the Father, Isaac as Christ, and the ram in the thicket as Christ our Substitute, as our Sacrifice for our sin debt; but God reveals that God’s people need trials, testings, in order to prove to them (not to God, He already knows all things) how God views them and what is really in them concerning God.
As the children of God travel this earthly journey, they need confirmation from God that they are indeed who they confess to be. In turn, this builds up the children of God to themselves that they are what they profess to be. This confirmation brings assurance and peace that they are truly God’s children. It gives them confidence that God is real, He lives in them, His promises are sure and stedfast, and they are secure in Him.
The test comes by the design and purpose of God. However, the proof comes in obedience to His Command. Genesis 22:8-10 reveals Abraham’s confidence in God: “And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering…” (verse 8). At this point Abraham was revealing that faith lived in him, because he could see no offering but Isaac. But he believed God would provide Himself (verse 8). Verses 9-10 reveal Abraham’s complete obedience to God as he built the altar, bound his son, and laid him on the altar (verse 9); and “…stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son” (verse 10). Here Abraham obeyed God completely in faith, believing that God had a plan to provide, even in death, to raise up Isaac. See Hebrews 11:17-19:
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, (18) Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: (19) Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.”
Verse 19 reveals Abraham’s faith that God was able to raise Isaac up, even from the dead, “…from whence also he received him in a figure.” Abraham even saw Christ, the Sacrifice, and His resurrection. This is confirmed by Christ’s words, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad” (John 8:56).
When Abraham obeyed God, God said in verse 12b, “…for now I know that thou fearest God…” This all came about after Abraham obeyed God by faith. Abraham had many events in his life to prove that faith dwelled in him; and it was because of faith, he was enabled to obey God. But this was Abraham’s greatest test of all tests. He passed with flying colors and consequently heard from God.
What does God know about you? What do you know for sure about yourself? Are you obeying God? If so, Faith (Christ) is proven to be in you (Galatians 2:20). Paul stated in Philippians 2:12, “…work out your own salvation…” You have the responsibility to prove by your works of obedience that you are a possessor of faith (James 2:14-26). Our key to assurance, peace, and rest in Christ is found in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” You must have faith, or (The Faith) Christ, living in you; for without faith you cannot please God. You must believe that God is; and you must diligently seek Him.
Why? Because Paul said in Philippians 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Yes, it is God’s power that works in you; but to reveal this power of God living in you, you must obey God in your works; even in your words and deeds.
Are you in a great test today? Has God asked you to perform more than you are able in your own strength? Trust God; prove your belief in God by your obedience by faith. Step out on God’s Word; do as He has commanded. When you do, you will hear from God, “For now I know that thou fearest God.” When this happens, you will receive great confidence that He is yours, and you are His. Doubts will cease, and be replaced by assurance, peace, and joy in Christ.
Though I cannot see the end,
I know that God will provide.
I cannot hide that in Him I must confide;
I know that obedience will reveal I am His Friend. (R.V.)
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