Session Three of The Patriarchs

September 23, 2008
Session Three
Triumphs and Tests
 
Please take time to read Chapter 22 of Genesis. Read it slowly and breathe in every emotion of the chapter. Beth points out that God moves this chapter in slow motion so you can feel what Abraham felt as he obeyed The Almighty. This was a test for Abraham unlike any other. When we go through tests, God may be trying to prove to us what is in us!  
Thelema is the Hebrew word for the Will of God that is intentional and purpose driven. The example we see in Genesis is a foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and how The Father had to be willing to sacrifice His one and only son. Even in this case, God provided the lamb.
 
1. Our tests have our names on them (v. 1). The Hebrew word for tested means "to test, try, prove,…Generally carries the idea of testing the quality of someone or something through stressful circumstances." Possible meaning for Moriah: My teacher is Yah.
 
2. Our hardest tests involve our dearest loves. The Hebrew word for love means "to love, desire to delight, ….Implies an ardent and vehement inclination of the mind and a tenderness of affection at the same time…a strong emotional attachment for and a desire to possess or be in the presence of the object of love."
 
3. We are not powerless in our tests. How we take them is entirely up to us. The Hebrew na is called the "particle of entreaty" and is used by God only in issues of staggering importance often defying "rational explanation or understanding". Abraham's only recorded words to God in the chapter: "Here I am" (Hebrew 10: 7)
God is often urging us to believe He can be trusted. The Hebrew na can be translated as "please"/"now". It is not a begging of please consider it. It is more a pleading to trust and act immediately.
4. Obedience is not the hardest part of our most trying tests. Keeping the faith can be the hardest of all.
5. Like Abraham, we're likely to discover that the harder the test, the further reaching the ramifications. (vv. 15 – 18)

The Gospel was preached beforehand in the promise and portrayed beforehand on the mountain. The Temple sits where Mt. Moriah is. Calvary sits on a hill directly across from this point.

The place was commemorated by the name "The Lord Will Provide."

The Hebrew word for "provide" also means to see
The Vulgate: In the mountain the LORD sees.
Septuagint: In the mountain the LORD is seen
Remember, when God is up to something hard, He is up to something BIG!!!!