The Faithfulness
Notes
Transcript
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Prayer
Introduction
We have been working our way through the Pentateuch – those first five books of the Bible. We have been hanging out in Genesis so far, and I hope that it has been enjoyable, and more importantly, that it has been instructive. One of the things that I hope you have noticed is how connected the New Testament is to the Old Testament. I hope I have done a good job in pointing out and highlighting Jesus in Genesis. This morning, we will look at what could be called the quintessential foreshadowing of Christ in the Old Testament – the sacrifice of Isaac.
Scripture
We will look at various passages this morning, but we will read together now. If you are able, please stand for the reading of God’s Word. We do this to show appreciation to God for His Word and in recognition that these are the most important words we can hope to hear today. says,
1 The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised.
2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him.
3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac.
4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.
5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
6 And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.”
7 And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
“The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
Thank you, you may be seated.
Let me back up just a little bit before we get started and remind us of a few things. When we are first introduced to Abraham – at the time called Abram – we are immediately told that his wife Sarah – at the time called Sarai – was barren. That is to say that she could not have children. This is one of the very first things we are told of this couple in . Only a few verses after being told that Abraham and Sarah were childless and were likely to remain that way, God calls Abraham and one of the things God tells him is that God is going to make of Abraham a great nation. To be clear, this is part of a land promise, so Basically God is saying that He is going to fill a land with Abraham’s posterity.
Unfortunately, there were some, what we might call detours. Some less-than-faithful acts on the part of Abraham and Sarah – we will talk about some of that next week. But ultimately God made clear that it would be Sarah who would bear Abraham a son. In fact, let’s look at together,
10 The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him.
11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah.
12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?”
13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’
14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”
15 But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”
The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”
If Sarah had been unable to have children before – when we were first introduced to her, now, at this point, that ship had definitely sailed. So much so, that when God promised a son through her, she scoffed.
So, now let’s look again at the passage we read together at the beginning.
“The Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised.”
1 The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised.
That statement is loaded. It is a very, very important. One of the repeated themes throughout Genesis, which carries throughout the entirety of Scripture is that God is faithful. God does what He says He is going to do. This may seem like one of the most obvious statements you’ve ever heard from a pulpit, but we must not miss the significance of this statement.
Sarah didn’t believe it to be possible; Abraham didn’t really believe it to be possible. That’s why the whole Haggar and Ishmael episode happened. And the two times that Abraham gave up Sarah – claiming that she was merely his sister – to save his own skin. Yet God was faithful. God kept His word. God did what He said He would do.
Over and over again the Scriptures tell us that God does not and can not lie. God is faithful, and this is good news for us. And it is also good news for Abraham. I think the birth of Isaac was a real turning point for Abraham. It was a confirmation of his faith in God. Abraham finally had a down payment, if you will, for the grand promises God had been making him. Finally, there was something real and tangible for Abraham’s faith to grab on to – a beloved son. Offspring, seed.
Also notice what God did in this. He brought joy to Abraham and Sarah. They were delighted to have a son in their old age. They named him Isaac which means laughter because they had so much joy. Isn’t it just like God to take something that was laughable – a concept that was so ridiculous that Sarah scoffed – and turn it into something that truly sparks joy. Isaac, the beloved son. The promised offspring. How happy they must have been.
We know the story fairly well. Some time later, God calls on Abraham again – this time to test him. God has proven Himself to be faithful, now it is Abrahams turn. In , we are told that God speaks to Abraham and tells him to sacrifice his one and only son. So Abraham, seeking to obey, got two of his young servants and his beloved son, Isaac and made preparations and left for a place God would show him. He’s being led by God, not to receive a new land or promises this time, but to lose his most precious son.
Before we get to the rest of the story, let’s consider this just a moment. There is often some pushback here. How could God ask Abraham to sacrifice his son? Would a loving God do that? And wait a minute, doesn’t God forbid child sacrifice? Isn’t that one of the terrible evils that Israel was supposed to never commit and one of the reasons the other peoples were being driven from the land? How can God do this – give hope and joy, then snatch it away – make Abraham choose between God and Isaac?
Well, let’s try to get a comprehensive answer to those and many other similar questions. First of all, we must remember that this is a test. God never had the intention of Isaac actually being sacrificed to Him – he is testing Abraham’s loyalty. But there is an important point to be heard here that is not comfortable – Fearing God is more valuable and important than anything else in the world. Now we say that type of thing all the time, that God is the most important, that we have to put God first in our lives, in our marriages, whatever, but Abraham is a true example of someone actually doing it.
As prized as Isaac was in Abraham’s heart, God was still of greater value. God is always of greater value. More valuable that your preferences, your comfort, your nation, your political ideals, and yes, God is even more valuable than your own children. God’s value has not changed since the day of Abraham, we just tend to undervalue God and overvalue lesser things.
But still, how can God give Abraham a child and so much joy, only to demand Isaac back. Let’s remember who we are talking about, He is God. Isaac belongs to God, not to Abraham. Abraham is Isaac’s father, but not his creator. Abraham is supposed to be a steward, a parent, to raise up the boy well, but ultimately, Isaac already belongs to God. Just like you and me and our children and everything else in the universe. It is all His, so God can demand whatever He wants. Further, God wasn’t stealing Abraham’s joy. Abraham’s joy should have been in God, not in Isaac. God was increasing Abraham’s joy by helping Abraham to see that God is the true, ultimate source of laughter. That isn’t to say that we shouldn’t be delighted by our children or grandchildren, or great grandchildren, only that we must realize that the delight flows from our delight in God – otherwise it is misplaced and shows what we value most isn’t God, but His blessings.
That is ultimately what is happening here. Abraham is proving his faithfulness by showing that he values God more than the promises God has given him, while still trusting in those very promises.
One last point – not for the sermon, just for this rabbit trail we are chasing about how God could demand Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son. The point is this: God demands that His people give up their sons and daughters to Him all the time. says,
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”
26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
Again I say, God has a claim on everything. It is all His. I get that that is uncomfortable for us, in our American and Western comfort. I understand that it is hard to die to self and to offer everything on the altar to God, but that is the cost – from Abraham to now – that is the cost of being a disciple of Jesus. And to be clear, God still asks you to sacrifice your kids. Not in a pagan ritual. But when he calls them to be missionaries to dangerous lands where they will likely be martyred, what will you say? Go somewhere safer? Or will you send them off with a prayer, and a hug trusting in God.
Man, I’m going to chase this rabbit trail until I catch this rabbit. God is calling you to sacrifice the thing that you value most in this world. God is constantly calling you to sacrifice everything for Him. God is calling you to share the Gospel with your neighbor, do you fear God enough to do it? God is calling you to give up your preferences in love for others, will you obey? God is calling you to confess and repent of sin, are you listening? God is calling you to die to self and live for Him, or are you just too comfortable?
Abraham could have come up with any number of excuses. “God, I must have miss heard you, surely you weren’t asking for Isaac! You were wanting my best servant instead – he’s very valuable to me as well!” Or, “God, how could you fulfill your promises if I sacrifice my son? It would be bad if you were found to be unfaithful.” So I ask, what excuses are you hiding behind? God is absolutely demanding your faithfulness, are you fully obeying?
Back to the story. Abraham and his son and his servants travel for three days – at any point Abraham could have changed his mind, yet he pressed on in faithfulness. They come near the place and Abraham and Isaac leave the servants and donkey behind – telling the servants that he and Isaac will return after worshipping God. Abraham places the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s back and Abraham carries the knife and fire. They trudge up the mountain. Isaac is no small child; he’s carrying the wood up the mountain after all – he’s probably somewhere around 15 give or take a few years.
At some point, Isaac asks where the lamb is for the offering, and Abraham tells him that God will provide one. They get to the place, build the altar, lay the wood upon it and Abraham binds his beloved son and puts him on the altar. Keep in mind that at this point, Isaac is likely far stronger and has more vitality than his very old father. Abraham lays Isaac on the altar grabs the knife, fully intending to give God what God demands and deserves, but God stops him. says this:
“He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”
Do you see what I meant earlier – Abraham feared God more than anything this world had to offer. Abraham was faithful. says this
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son,
18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.”
19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
“17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.”
Abraham was faithful – trusting God every step of the way – trusting that God was able to even raise his Isaac. Abraham trusted fully the promises of God, and fully fearing and obeying God.
And God did provide a sacrifice – a ram stuck in the thicket. And here we have a complete picture of the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. As I mentioned in the introduction, this sacrifice of Isaac points towards, foreshadows a greater truth.
Jesus is the one and only, beloved Son of His Father. Jesus carried the wood for the sacrifice up the hill to the place where he would be sacrificed. Jesus was immovably placed on the altar, as it were, not by being bound, but by having nails driven through His hands and feet. And lest we think that this was merely the work of the Jews or the work of the Romans, tells us clearly that Jesus was smitten by God and afflicted; that it was the will of the Lord to crush Him and it was the Lord who put Christ to grief.
You see, on that mountain, God did not stay His own hand, but figuratively thrust the knife into His Son. Our Scripture reading from this morning said, “He who did not spare His own Son.” There was no ram in the thicket, because Jesus was the ram in the thicket. Jesus Christ, the beloved son whom the Father loves more than creation itself was sacrificed in the place of Isaac. In the place of you and me. Jesus bore the sins of His people and suffered the wrath of God, the penalty of our sins – in our place.
Much like Isaac, Jesus climbed the hill trusting His father fully. Unlike Isaac, Jesus didn’t ask where the lamb for sacrifice was, because Jesus knew that He was the sacrificial lamb. Christ was willingly made a mockery – a laughing stock, but in doing so, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” () God turned scoffing into joy.
Christ’s faithfulness and obedience is our ultimate source of joy, of obedience, of our faithfulness, of salvation, of everything. If Christ had not purchased those things for us with His blood, we would be lost and destroyed.
Conclusion
In a moment, we will transition into a time of worship through response. We believe that when we hear the Word of God, we always respond – either in rebellion or in worship. There is no neutrality. As we sing our song of response, I will be on the front row worshipping with you. If you need someone to talk to or pray with, I would be delighted to do those things, simply come up front and talk to me, or you can pray here at the front. Or, if you’d rather talk to me after the service, I will stick around, and we can talk as long as you need to. I want to quickly say just a couple more words before we respond in worship.
If you are here and you are not trusting in Christ. Maybe you don’t understand the Gospel, or maybe you do understand the Gospel, but you’ve just been rebelling, unwilling to sacrifice everything for God – Please flee to Christ. Nothing else in this world can fulfill your heart’s desires. You will always be seeking to find something to fill the emptiness inside you. You will never know true joy because God has created you to find your joy and fulfillment in Him. To be clear, it will not be easy. It will require everything – that which you hold most dear, but God is worth it – He is more valuable than whatever it is that you are clinging to. You must repent and trust Christ.
Believers, fellow sons and daughters of Abraham by faith. We often get distracted by the things of the world. Often they are good things – like children and family. Let us not lose sight of how valuable Christ is. Let us seek to be faithful to our Lord – to fear the Lord. When we rightly value Christ, we willingly sacrifice all else. If there is something that you are clinging to – something you are refusing to do, or give up, that is sin. It is the claim that whatever it is, is of more value than Jesus. Brothers and sisters, let it not be so. Let us repent of that which we hold too dearly.
Let’s pray.