“Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about” Genesis 22:3,4.
“Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about” Genesis 22:3,4.
We all know this story about God testing Abraham and at the last moment providing a ram for sacrifice. It is an uncomfortable piece that we feel we need to backpedal on for it offends our modern sensibilities. The expose of this passage is for another place and time – what I want to point out to you that as soon as Abraham had this encounter when God spoke to him, he chopped the wood, saddled the donkey, and left – THE NEXT MORNING. Did Abraham understand God’s request? No. Did he like this request, especially after waiting so long to have a son? No. But off he went the next morning to fulfill what God had said to him. What faith! Faith in action!
I’m currently reading through Hebrews and noted what was said about the children of Israel in the wilderness. “For we have had the good news told to us as well as they, but the message heard did them no good, because they were not by faith made one with those who heeded it” (4:2). In other words, they heard a lot from God – the encounter with him was there for the taking, but they refused to act on it and in so doing were as poorly off as if God had never spoken. The nature of faith is tied to action. James makes a big deal of this in his letter. He says that for a Christian to hear the Word but not act on it is to be self deceived.
Many Christians would love to have a fresh encounter with God. “Speak to me Lord!” But if they are failing to act on what they already know from God, why would He ever speak to them with something fresh?? Doesn’t it make much more sense for a Christian to act in faith on what they already know? It seems to me that God will more readily speak to someone who is already in motion.
So, brother or sister – what do you already know to be God’s will that you could take action on? Forgiving someone or seeking forgiveness? Starting to give generously to the Lord’s work? Taking time to fellowship with and encourage other Christians? Spending expectant time in the Word? There may be a thought from God custom made to your situation. Roll up your sleeves! Take action on it – step out in faith – see what He will do in you! Maybe from these things your fresh Encounter will come!
Pastor Leon Throness
