What does "now I know that you fear God" reveal about God's testing? Setting the Scene Genesis 22 records God commanding Abraham to offer Isaac, his “only son,” as a burnt offering. Just as Abraham lifts the knife, the Angel of the LORD intervenes: “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him,” said the Angel. “For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” (Genesis 22:12) Understanding “Now I Know That You Fear God” - “Fear God” in Scripture speaks of deep reverence that produces obedient action (Psalm 111:10). - “Now I know” is a covenantal expression, affirming Abraham’s demonstrated loyalty. God is omniscient (Psalm 147:5), yet He speaks in relational terms, celebrating the lived-out reality of Abraham’s faith. What This Reveals About God’s Testing - Tests expose faith already present. Abraham’s obedience made his trust visible. - Tests refine faith. Like gold in fire (1 Peter 1:6-7), trials purify devotion. - Tests validate covenant relationship. Abraham’s act confirmed the promised line would be marked by trusting obedience (Genesis 18:19). - Tests invite deeper revelation of God. After the test, Abraham names the place “Yahweh Yireh—The LORD Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14). God’s Omniscience and Relational Knowing - God foreknew Abraham’s faith (Genesis 18:17-19) yet chose to “know” it experientially through Abraham’s action. - Scripture uses similar language elsewhere: • “to humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart” (Deuteronomy 8:2) • “The LORD tests the righteous” (Psalm 11:5) - The phrasing assures readers that God’s tests are not arbitrary; they are purposeful engagements within relationship. Implications for Believers Today - Expect purposeful testing. “Consider it pure joy…knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:2-3). - Respond in trusting obedience. God often reveals deeper provision only on the far side of surrender. - Recognize that genuine fear of God is measured by what we refuse to withhold. Like Abraham, believers prove reverence through costly obedience. - Look for the revelation of God’s character. Tests become platforms where the Lord demonstrates His faithfulness and provision. Related Scriptures - Deuteronomy 13:3 — “for the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” - Job 23:10 — “But He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” - 1 Peter 1:6-7 — trials “prove the genuineness of your faith…resulting in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” |
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