We must be distinctive in our faith and witness in this world. Steadfast as we condemn the world. But as we look at Abraham, it is a difficult thing to understand. How is he a witness to us and in relation to how we are to live? In Abraham we are dealing with a parable to us as Abraham LIVED it.

God always cultivates our live with and by faith. (Trying of our faith is more precious than gold.) Constantly God cultivates our faith! God tries our faith and desires to strengthen and bring us to a higher plateau....even as satan uses those same circumstances to try to bring us "down" into temptation. We are tried that we may sink our roots deeper in Christ and be "better" Christians living closer to Him! Abraham's faith is also tried here. Just as Abraham should be overwhelmed with emotion when his son asks about the sacrifice Abraham replies with "God will provide." This story is not a "tear jerker" but a parable (not an earthly story that just plays on emotions) whereby God tries Abraham to strengthen him. In times of stress, sorrow, and trial do NOT ever let the principals of God go!!! When things seem to go in the wrong direction remember "God will provide!"

God's promise to Abraham to prosper his seed and now Abraham was to kill his ONLY son. Abraham knew he could not kill his son. He knew murder was wrong and "me and my son will be back" was said to his servants. But, he believed and had faith that God would provide and knew without hesitation that He would! Faith sees the great glory and can weigh and compare the things seen and unseen and take hold of without doubt! Abraham's perception was that God could even raise him from the dead! (Saw this even before the resurrection and saw he was living the picture in faith! God alone was going to provide and he saw the depth, the mercy, and the loving-kindness of God whereby he saw that God would, without question provide! God provided His own son for a sacrifice for sinners. Something Abraham, and you and I can never do.

There was and is a blessing. That you and I may follow Him to glory! We are powerless to affect anything...but the power of God's Gospel is here and we are told "God will provide" and God sacrifices His own Son....raises Him from the dead. All for our justification and salvation!