We Are The Children of Abraham Part 2, Tested and Tried

To better understand Abraham and the faith he had we saw last week how God tested him and when he did, Abraham did not waiver but trusted God.  Therefore God could call him a friend, not because Abraham desired that title, but because Abraham wanted to follow God’s will in his life.  The expanded view of Abraham’s life gives us a better view of who Abraham was, and how he lived.  We now can conclude that Abraham put God’s will above his own at all times.  We also saw that Abraham is alive, not dead, as Jesus told us.  We saw that there is a place for the faithful dead, prior to Christ, and that there is a place for the unfaithful as well.  Paul writes a lot about Abraham for us to understand.  We will see what he says.

Rom 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Abraham did not do works of service just because he had to.  In fact he never did the same thing twice when it came to worshipping God.  So Abraham was not justified because he did some sort of religious temple service, or ritual.  Abraham is justified because he did what God asked.  We could go to church, light candles, sing some songs, and put money in the offering, but that is not what justifies us.  Sometimes it seems like God gives us so much, then it seems like there are times we lose what he gave us.  Why? God does give, and like with Isaac he may ask us to give up what we have.  Where we stand on giving up what we have is revealing our heart to Him.  We have all heard God is more concerned with our obedience then sacrifice.  We should not make deals with God about what you will give up, you can’t sacrifice enough bulls and goats to make up for your lack of obedience. Remember God’s words to Abraham after he put Isaac on the altar and raised the knife, God said that now he knew Abraham would not withhold his son from him.  Wow, at that moment, just before bringing down the knife on Isaac, God knew Abraham would not withhold his only son from God.

Rom 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all

Again Paul points out, not by the law but by righteous faith.  The law causes people to become wrathful.  No one wants to live with mindless service, rules and regulations, rather we desire a relationship.  This is why we have to go back to the Melchizedek Priesthood to understand what our faith and relationship with God should look like.  It should not look like the law but should instead look like what Shem and Abraham lived.  The promise of Abraham’s seed being heirs cannot come by keeping the Levitical Law, because as we have seen previously, the Levitical Law came many years after Abraham and Shem.  So if we could be made heirs by the Levitical Law there would not have to be any faith on our part, just continual service, which is why the law works wrath.

Rom 4:17-22 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

God calls things which haven’t happened yet as if they have already happened. God sees through time but we have to live each minute without seeing into the future.  Since God can see into the future, we have to live trusting that what he knows of the future is going to come to pass in our lives.  We have to be fully persuaded. That God would call Abraham the father of many nations when he didn’t even have children must have seemed strange.  Abraham believed God was telling the truth, but I’m sure he never expected to be a father of Isaac at such an old age.

Rom 4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.KJV

This is what the devil has tried to hide from us, simple faith. Jesus was charged for our sins and if we believe that we are saved.  If we have faith that Jesus died for our sins we are justified.  Paul compares Abraham’s faith with the faith we should have in Jesus.  He uses Abraham’s example to show us what faith is in Jesus.   

Rom 5:1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.KJV

Here it is, if we believe on Him that raised Jesus our Lord, righteousness is applied to us as well.  So we are accepted by faith.  Then we can glory in tribulations, because we trust God is in it with us and we can endure to the end. Hebrews tells us Jesus did not take on the nature of angels when he came to be a sacrifice for us, but took on the nature of the seed of Abraham.  That means he was just like us, just like the Jews, and he had to have faith that while in his earthly body God could accomplish reconciliation through Him.  He had to be like us, and to suffer like we do so that he could aid or help us when we suffer testing.

Let’s take the view from 40,000 miles up to understand our tribulation.  If we lived an easy life, with no controversy, or contentions, no fighting or struggling, no sadness or hardship, would we appreciate all our blessings? Would we have a reason to look for a savior? If we were so well taken care of that we didn’t have a need in the world would we start treating God as if he were a Jeanie in a bottle? Gimmie,  gimmie, gimmie?  Yet the devil has made us think that God is a big vending machine and if he doesn’t give us what we want or what we desire he is mean.  Now how could God teach us about character if we have everything easy without hardship? If God asked for your son, when you always had everything you wanted would you give him your son?

What if this earth, and all that we see, is simply a testing ground for us? Are we passing or failing the test?  Lucifer failed, he had the freedom to choose how he would live and he did not choose well.  If you could see your life from the beginning through to the end, could you say you passed or failed God? How could God have encouraged you to believe in Him? How could God have gotten your attention when you were not obedient to him? What if we do it right, like Abraham? When we die we will receive what we deserve, rewards, or no rewards, or punishment.  What if in this life, faith is so simple we have overcomplicated the entire thing?

Heb 2:14-18 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.KJV

Jesus took on the nature of the seed of Abraham, to be like us, so that he could comfort us when we are tempted.  Remember how satan goes before God to accuse us, then picks on us and tries to lure us away from God.  In times of temptation and hardship it is best to press in to God and obey instead of trying to “think” our way out.

Gal 3:6-11 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.KJV

They which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.  That is a powerful, yet simple statement.

Gal 3:13-18 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.KJV

Paul writes that this promise of salvation is not to the Jews only, by birth and lineage, but to all who believe on God, and confess Jesus as Lord. After the day of Pentecost, the Jews had a hard time understanding that the Gentiles could be saved too.  Let’s look at this from 40,000 miles up.  The seed of Abraham was scattered everywhere, repeatedly. They were taken into slavery; they were sold as slaves in Africa, by ships they were sent all over, even America.  Remember Abraham had six more sons, after offering Isaac, even if you could identify the “Isaac gene” and the “Sarah gene”,  it has been mixed around so much that lineage could not be counted as the pure people of  God.  Therefore, heirs of Abraham are those of promise who believe like Abraham. Jesus sealed the deal when he sent the Holy Spirit to gather in all those who are called, chosen, and found faithful.

Rom 9:6-10 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;KJV

They are not all Israel which are of Israel, too much mixing up.

Rom 9:25-26 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.KJV [Hosea 2:23, Hosea 1:10]

He calls them my people which were not my people and they shall be called the children of the living God.  How can that be if it was only by linage? But it is by faith that we are called the children of Abraham.

Rom 10:8-14 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.KJV

With the heart man believes unto righteousness, with the mouth confession is made to salvation.  Simple.  Because of unbelief Israel was broken off and others were grafted in by their faith, yet we should not be prideful as if we did something wonderful.  Israel can be once again grafted back in to the branch.

Rom 11:19-27 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.KJV

The blindness of Israel, to accept Jesus as Lord is partly due to a time where the Gentiles can come to believe on Jesus.  When that number is reached, the age of grace will be over and the church will be taken up to await the millennial reign of Christ.  And eventually all of Israel will be saved; they will believe Jesus is the Messiah. 

Again James reiterates some points we have already looked at but adds one more, Abraham was called the friend of God.  Isaiah corroborates as well.

James 2:20-24 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only KJV

Isa 41:8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.KJV

Moses was also called a friend of God. Both Moses and Abraham followed God in extraordinary ways.  If we aspire to be God’s friend, we have to live the extreme life these men did.  Moses sacrificed going into the Promised Land, negotiating for disobedient Israel over and over again.  That is a hard job. Abraham moved all over making disciples everywhere he went.  He also did not withhold his son from God.  Isaac was a willing subject suggesting that he would not have been worthy to be born if he didn’t follow God’s commands.  And the promise made that day of sacrifice is that the seed of Abraham will possess the gates of the enemies.

Gen 22:17-18 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.KJV

By developing our relationship with God we will not only be victorious but we are able to possess the gates of the enemy.  This means when the enemy tries to plan an attack (remember how he accuses us day and night) we can foil the plan because we have already taken the enemies gates. We could take back our friends and family for God.  We could take back our nations, and subdue the enemy, without picking up a gun or utilizing an army of tanks and bombs.  We could commission the angels to wage war with us to push the enemy down.  Remember there are twice as many for God as for satan.  We have been fooled into thinking the battle is bigger and harder than it really is. We are simply not united in our efforts.  The first step is laying down our lives to God, taking up our cross and following Him. We then should have the simplicity of righteousness faith, like Abraham. 

Abraham developed his relationship with God over a period of many years.  We need to keep that in mind, it didn’t happen in one day.  God seems to use the enemies’ accusations to spur us on to living bigger for Him.  Isn’t that our main goal in life?  We are not done with Abraham’s story.  There is more ahead.

We Are The Children of Abraham Part 1, Testing and Trying

When I became a Christian I felt like I came into the middle of a story. People always taught the Bible but I never understood the full perspective of what was being taught.  It was like watching a movie from the middle and never seeing the beginning; how the characters got to where they were, what happened early on.  People always said we need to be like Abraham. They said we had to have faith like Abraham. Having seen a little more about how Abraham grew up and how he lived, we can see that his relationship with God was developed.  He started out learning about God from Noah and Shem, then he tested his understanding in the fields.  He then had a lot of righteousness anger toward idolatry, and his father’s idols.  He was tested by Nimrod on a few occasions, and then left Ur to Haran and eventually Canaan.  His life was not easy; he did not have a church with like minded believers for support.  He was not alone in his commitment to God as Noah and Shem were probably teaching others as well, but he was alone in his family. Yet everywhere he went he taught people about God, Haran, Canaan, Egypt, and Philistia. He made people into disciples everywhere he lived.  He also taught people about the stars and mathematics.  Abraham’s life wasn’t easy though, I believe we have a false impression that if we follow God our lives will be on easy street, yet that is not what makes us disciples or a friend of God.

What does it mean to be the children of Abraham?  How was he a friend of God? It seems it cost Abraham something to be called the friend of God. He gave up living for himself, and others, and lived for God only.  He was not a slave to anyone, but he was sold out to God.  This is why God could entrust him with sacrificing the life of his son when satan accused him before God.  Yahweh could count on Abraham to do what was asked of him.  Therefore unless we behave like Abraham, we should not be so quick to put ourselves in this category of friend of God. Flippantly attributing ourselves as a friend of God is prideful, which is never a good thing.  It would be better for God to say that of us rather than we saying that of ourselves. But we are called children of Abraham if we believe.  God promised a heavenly city for the seed of Abraham.

Here is a history of Abraham.

2 Esd 3:11-15 Nevertheless one of them thou leftest, namely, Noah with his household, of whom came all righteous men.12 And it happened, that when they that dwelt upon the earth began to multiply, and had gotten them many children, and were a great people, they began again to be more ungodly than the first.13 Now when they lived so wickedly before thee, thou didst choose thee a man from among them, whose name was Abraham.14 Him thou lovedst, and unto him only thou shewedst thy will:15 And madest an everlasting covenant with him, promising him that thou wouldest never forsake his seed.KJV

Heb 11:8-19 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.KJV

Sarah also trusted Yahweh and believed he was faithful to his word.  But God has to develop our trust in Him with things that try us. Just like Abraham, we are his seed when we are tried and still trust in him.

Jdt 8:25-27 Moreover let us give thanks to the Lord our God, which trieth us, even as he did our fathers.26 Remember what things he did to Abraham, and how he tried Isaac, and what happened to Jacob in Mesopotamia of Syria, when he kept the sheep of Laban his mother's brother.27 For he hath not tried us in the fire, as he did them, for the examination of their hearts, neither hath he taken vengeance on us: but the Lord doth scourge them that come near unto him, to admonish them.KJV

We are tried and examined just as Abraham was.  God doesn’t try us in fire or with vengeance but he does scourge those who come near to Him.  So God punishes or whips those who want to come near to him and rebukes and advises them.  We then should have a different opinion of being tested and tried.  Do we suffer with sickness, or suffer with poverty, or do we suffer being childless, or as a widow or a widower?  Our suffering is for our benefit, so that we learn to glory in sufferings.  We then, when we are found faithful, can come near to God. But isn’t it the devil that tells us God is mean for letting us suffer, and for  testing and trying us? It seems we have to change our thinking so that we align ourselves with God rather than acting if God is not listening when we are suffering.  I think He is listening, but he has a purpose for us and we need to submit to the process so that we can find out what it is.  We saw how satan accuses us and that God lets him attack us, within boundaries. We will explore this idea more next week.

Jesus has some interesting stories of Abraham, firstly it seems there is a place for the just or righteous dead called Abraham’s Bosom.  Jesus describes this and then also tells us Abraham is not dead, as God is the God of the living.

Luke 16:19-31 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.KJV

As we can see, this is not a parable, as these people have names, where as when Jesus speaks in parables the individuals don’t have names. Here it is interesting that the rich man,who could be anyone who has received good things, had a good life.  But Lazarus received evil things.  This is very revealing.  There are plenty of people who are tested with lots of money and things, and that is what satan uses to accuse them before God.  How will we respond with riches?  How many pastors drive nicer cars than their congregation, or live in bigger more extravagant houses then their parishioners? They are being tested just like everyone else.  I’m sure I’ve offended some with that statement but keep in mind that if someone is convicted by these words it could save them in eternal life.  Yes the rich, mighty, even the televangelists are all being tested by God.  So are we self indulgent? Isn’t this what Jesus was pointing out about the widow and her mite, it was worth more to God then the folks who made a big show of their lives and giving?  It seems also that the ones who have suffered in this life Jesus says are comforted.  While Jesus was making a point here regarding the afterlife, he does state that Lazarus is in Abraham’s bosom, a special place for the righteous.  But Abraham is still alive.

Mark 12:26-27 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.KJV

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are alive in a place called the bosom of Abraham, where there is apparently food and water. That is what Jesus said. Next we see that this place is somewhere people recline and relax with Abraham Isaac and Jacob.  Yet there will be heirs of Abraham that do not enter the kingdom of heaven and Jesus tells us why.  Those people will be somewhere where it is dark and they will be crying and grinding their teeth, because they are not in the kingdom with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Jesus’ words, “so great faith, no not in Israel” are a clue.  The Israelites thought they could enter the kingdom by their works, but clearly they cannot, their works have to be accompanied by faith. Oddly the centurion was a “gentile” according to the Jews but he had faith in Jesus’ words.  I just want to throw this out there, there are many people who may think by linage they are Jews, but there are many people who may have moved to other parts of the world that actually are of the linage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  We will see why in a few weeks.

Matt 8:10-12 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.KJV

Faith NT:4102 pistis (pis'-tis); from NT:3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: KJV - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Faith is persuasion or conviction.  Abraham trusted God, therefore he was obedient to God, which is the faith the centurion had, he didn’t need Jesus to come to his house, he simply believed His word.  Again we see the same idea, that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be in the kingdom but some will be cast out.

Luke 13:24-30 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.KJV

The conversation that preceded this idea of the kingdom was having a small amount of faith would grow into much more and a small amount of leaven would infect everything. A little faith or conviction can go a long way, and a little leaven can destroy people. We see that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets will be in the kingdom of God (the all had faith), but the door will be shut and many people will stand outside the door (they had leaven).  They will knock on the door, they will cry and get mad, but they won’t get into the kingdom.   Yet a little faith will grow into a great tree so that others can see it, learn about it, and rest in that faith.  It could provide comfort, or shade from the heat; it could provide nourishment for the hungry.  Faith that is seen brings people in, drawing them to the thing they have been missing and seeking, a relationship with God.  If people see your faith they can learn to have their own faith.

Jesus testifies that he is Yahweh, as we have seen before, and that Abraham knew him. While the religious leaders are always trying to say that their linage and their religious works are their guarantee from God, Jesus points out they do not do what Abraham did, therefore they are not of Abraham.

John 8:38-41 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.KJV

Jesus said that the Jews should have been doing the works of Abraham.  If they should have been doing the works of Abraham we should be doing the works of Abraham as well. Not the works of the Levitical Priesthood, but the works of Melchizedek, which were the works of Abraham.

John 8:56-58 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.KJV

The Jews could not understand Jesus being Yahweh; they simply did not believe, instead they trusted in ritual service to get them into the kingdom.  It did not matter how many altars Abraham built, or how many burnt offerings he offered God, what mattered was that he listened, obeyed, and cultivated a personal relationship with God. Yet Abraham did have a personal relationship with Yahweh, and Yahweh talked with him as a friend.  It was interesting to see how Abraham negotiated with Yahweh, not as a spoiled child but as a concerned elder of Lot.  If we notice Abraham never took advantage of his relationship with Yahweh either, he didn’t make deals with God for himself. He didn’t say if you do this, I’ll do that, as some people do today.  He simply lived and communed with Yahweh.  At one point he laments to Yahweh and asks what good is it that I have all this stuff and I’m going to leave it to my servant.  Abraham wasn’t asking anything of God, he was sad that he didn’t have any heirs.  We saw how treasured Isaac was in Abraham’s and Sarah’s lives.  Yet even still Abraham did not argue with Yahweh about sacrificing his son. 

This is a lot to think about concerning the seed of Abraham. Learning to live better is our goal in looking at Abraham’s life. Next week we will see more about being Abraham’s seed and why God could count on him as a friend.

Abraham and Isaac on the Mountain Part 3, Satan is Humiliated

When we look at this story of Abraham sacrificing his only son out of obedience to God, we always wonder if we ourselves could do that too.  Could you and I be obedient to the command of God to that extent?  We overlook the fact that Isaac had to be obedient too, he was 37 years old and surely could have overtaken Abraham if he didn’t agree with this sacrifice.  I think the reason we have always tried to make Isaac out to be a young boy is because we can’t imagine that he would be willing to give up his life.  But he was willing to give up his life to the obedience of God, which is why he was also honored along with Abraham.

We also seem to have the misnomer that being obedient to God doesn’t cost us anything, no pain, no sorrow, no suffering.  We have been sold a lie that tells us that if we are children of God then life will be wonderful, heaven on earth, and no pain or sorrow will come our way.  If there is a natural disaster, we decide that it was due to lack of faith, or that those people were not Christians.  But Jesus said that we would have tribulation in the world, anguish hardship, pressure. He overcame the world but that does not negate the trouble we have here, it instead gives us a better destiny, eternal life.  Jesus says we can take rest in Him because he subdued the world, so that when we are in tribulations we can rest in Jesus. Jesus himself was attacked by the devil his entire ministry, not just at the temptations, but the Jews tried to stone him, throw him off a cliff, and everywhere he went he was treated poorly. 

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.KJV

What a hard journey it must have been up that mountain. Were Abraham and Isaac both feeling sorrowful, and sad?  Abraham knowing what God had asked, and Isaac suspecting what would take place, would they have walked in silence?  I don’t imagine there was much talk of the future; a wife for Isaac, or Abraham’s inheritance being left for Isaac, but I don’t think it was like a funeral procession.  Abraham’s obedience to God is amazing, not wavering, or turning back he walked step by step up the mountain.  Then Isaac realizing that what he had said to Ishmael is coming to pass, he still went up the mountain.  Maybe they both had the type of relationship with God that they so completely trusted in him that they had no fear of the future.  Abraham’s life had been in jeopardy several times before, at birth, when he smashed Terah’s idols, and later after Nimrod’s dream.  Then Abraham saw God deliver Sarah twice from Kings as well.  I think Abraham and Isaac had a wonderful relationship with Yahweh.  I think they truly were confident that whatever would happen, God was taking care of them. Even if by sacrificing Isaac that his life on earth would cease to exist, Abraham still regarded Yahweh as supreme ruler over his and Isaac’s life and death.

Jasher 23:50And when they were going along Isaac said to his father, Behold, I see here the fire and wood, and where then is the lamb that is to be the burnt offering before the Lord?51And Abraham answered his son Isaac, saying, The Lord has made choice of thee my son, to be a perfect burnt offering instead of the lamb.52And Isaac said unto his father, I will do all that the Lord spoke to thee with joy and cheerfulness of heart.

What a great attitude Isaac had. No fear, just reverence towards God.

53And Abraham again said unto Isaac his son, Is there in thy heart any thought or counsel concerning this, which is not proper? tell me my son, I pray thee, O my son conceal it not from me.54And Isaac answered his father Abraham and said unto him, O my father, as the Lord liveth and as thy soul liveth, there is nothing in my heart to cause me to deviate either to the right or to the left from the word that he has spoken to thee.55Neither limb nor muscle has moved or stirred at this, nor is there in my heart any thought or evil counsel concerning this.56But I am of joyful and cheerful heart in this matter, and I say, Blessed is the Lord who has this day chosen me to be a burnt offering before Him.

Again, wow.

57And Abraham greatly rejoiced at the words of Isaac, and they went on and came together to that place that the Lord had spoken of.58And Abraham approached to build the altar in that place, and Abraham was weeping, and Isaac took stones and mortar until they had finished building the altar.59And Abraham took the wood and placed it in order upon the altar which he had built.60And he took his son Isaac and bound him in order to place him upon the wood which was upon the altar, to slay him for a burnt offering before the Lord.61And Isaac said to his father, Bind me securely and then place me upon the altar lest I should turn and move, and break loose from the force of the knife upon my flesh and thereof profane the burnt offering; and Abraham did so.62And Isaac still said to his father, O my father, when thou shalt have slain me and burnt me for an offering, take with thee that which shall remain of my ashes to bring to Sarah my mother, and say to her, This is the sweet smelling savor of Isaac; but do not tell her this if she should sit near a well or upon any high place, lest she should cast her soul after me and die.63And Abraham heard the words of Isaac, and he lifted up his voice and wept when Isaac spake these words; and Abraham's tears gushed down upon Isaac his son, and Isaac wept bitterly, and he said to his father, Hasten thou, O my father, and do with me the will of the Lord our God as He has commanded thee.64And the hearts of Abraham and Isaac rejoiced at this thing which the Lord had commanded them; but the eye wept bitterly whilst the heart rejoiced.65And Abraham bound his son Isaac, and placed him on the altar upon the wood, and Isaac stretched forth his neck upon the altar before his father, and Abraham stretched forth his hand to take the knife to slay his son as a burnt offering before the Lord.

The eye wept bitterly while the heart rejoiced, they were sorrowful while they rejoiced in obeying God.

Jasher 23:66At that time the angels of mercy came before the Lord and spake to him concerning Isaac, saying,670 Lord, thou art a merciful and compassionate King over all that thou hast created in heaven and in earth, and thou supportest them all; give therefore ransom and redemption instead of thy servant Isaac, and pity and have compassion upon Abraham and Isaac his son, who are this day performing thy commands.68Hast thou seen, O Lord, how Isaac the son of Abraham thy servant is bound down to the slaughter like an animal? now therefore let thy pity be roused for them, O Lord.

The angels interceded for Isaac and Abraham.  From the book of Enoch and Hebrews we have seen that this is what angels are supposed to do for humans.  This is why again I say we are not the center of the story, there are sons of God in the heavenlies that have jobs and are judged on what they do and how well they do it.

Jasher 23:69At that time the Lord appeared unto Abraham, and called to him, from heaven, and said unto him, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him, for now I know that thou fearest God in performing this act, and in not withholding thy son, thine only son, from me.70And Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, a ram was caught in a thicket by his horns; that was the ram which the Lord God had created in the earth in the day that he made earth and heaven.71For the Lord had prepared this ram from that day, to be a burnt offering instead of Isaac.

Yahweh has foreknowledge, he knew ahead of time he would put Abraham and Isaac in this position due to the accusations of the devil.  Funny how God knows even the plans satan has to destroy humanity, which is why we should be at peace in Him. 

Jasher 23:72And this ram was advancing to Abraham when Satan caught hold of him and entangled his horns in the thicket, that he might not advance to Abraham, in order that Abraham might slay his son.73And Abraham, seeing the ram advancing to him and Satan withholding him, fetched him and brought him before the altar, and he loosened his son Isaac from his binding, and he put the ram in his stead, and Abraham killed the ram upon the altar, and brought it up as an offering in the place of his son Isaac.74And Abraham sprinkled some of the blood of the ram upon the altar, and he exclaimed and said, This is in the place of my son, and may this be considered this day as the blood of my son before the Lord.75And all that Abraham did on this occasion by the altar, he would exclaim and say, This is in the room of my son, and may it this day be considered before the Lord in the place of my son; and Abraham finished the whole of the service by the altar, and the service was accepted before the Lord, and was accounted as if it had been Isaac; and the Lord blessed Abraham and his seed on that day.

Amazing the details Jasher brings us, which is established in Josephus.  Jubilees does not add to the text regarding Isaac being a willing sacrifice but does add some other insights.

Jubilees 18:6. And Isaac said to his father, "Father"; and he said, "Here am I, my son." And he said unto him, "Behold the fire, and the knife, and the wood; but where is the sheep for the burnt-offering, father?" 7. And he said, "God will provide for himself a sheep for a burnt-offering, my son." And he drew near to the place of the mount of God.  8. And he built an altar, and he placed the wood on the altar, and bound Isaac his son, and placed him on the wood which was upon the altar, and stretched forth his hand to take the knife to slay Isaac his son.

Jubilees does show us from the angel’s perspective the conversations between God and his messengers. Jubilees also shows the plan of satan to kill Isaac by keeping the ram from Abraham.

Jubilees18:9. And I stood before him, and before the prince of the Mastêmâ, and the Lord said, "Bid him not to lay his hand on the lad, nor to do anything to him, for I have shown that he feareth the Lord." 10. And I called to him from heaven, and said unto him: "Abraham, Abraham"; and he was terrified and said: "Behold, (here) am I." 11. And I said unto him: "Lay not thy hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything to him; for now I have shown that thou fearest the Lord, and hast not withheld thy son, thy first-born son, from me." 12. And the prince of the Mastêmâ was put to shame; and Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, a single ram caught  . . . by his horns, and Abraham went and took the ram and offered it for a burnt-offering in the stead of his son. 13. And Abraham called that place "The Lord hath seen," so that it is said "(in the mount) the Lord hath seen":  that is Mount Sion.

This is where David, about 1000 years later built an altar to God, at Ornan’s threshing floor after numbering the Israelites.  We looked at that record previously where satan instigated David to number the people and God said not to.  Therefore the people started to die for David’s sin.  Later Solomon built a temple there and today it is the home of the dome of the rock.

Jubilees 18:14. And the Lord called Abraham by his name a second time from heaven, as he caused us to appear to speak to him in the name of the Lord.15. And He said: "By Myself have I sworn, saith the Lord,Because thou hast done this thing,And hast not withheld thy son, thy beloved son, from Me,That in blessing I shall bless theeAnd in multiplying I shall multiply thy seedAs the stars of heaven,And as the sand which is on the seashore.And thy seed will inherit the cities of its enemies,16. And in thy seed will all nations of the earth be blessed; Because thou hast obeyed My voice,And I have shown to all that thou art faithful unto Me in all that I have said unto thee:Go in peace." 17. And Abraham went to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba, and Abraham dwelt by the Well of the Oath. 18. And he celebrated this festival every year, seven days with joy, and he called it the festival of the Lord according to the seven days during which he went and returned in peace. 19. And accordingly hath it been ordained and written on the heavenly tables regarding Israel and its seed that they should observe this festival seven days with the joy of festival.

Josephus gives us more details.

Josephus CHAPTER 13.CONCERNING ISAAC THE LEGITIMATE SON OF ABRAHAM.
Josephus 13:3. As soon as the altar was prepared, and Abraham had laid on the wood, and all things were entirely ready, he said to his son, "O son, I poured out a vast number of prayers that I might have thee for my son; when thou wast come into the world, there was nothing that could contribute to thy support for which I was not greatly solicitous, nor any thing wherein I thought myself happier than to see thee grown up to man's estate, and that I might leave thee at my death the successor to my dominion; but since it was by God's will that I became thy father, and it is now his will that I relinquish thee, bear this consecration to God with a generous mind; for I resign thee up to God who has thought fit now to require this testimony of honor to himself, on account of the favors he hath conferred on me, in being to me a supporter and defender. Accordingly thou, my son, wilt now die, not in any common way of going out of the world, but sent to God, the Father of all men, beforehand, by thy own father, in the nature of a sacrifice. I suppose he thinks thee worthy to get clear of this world neither by disease, neither by war, nor by any other severe way, by which death usually comes upon men, but so that he will receive thy soul with prayers and holy offices of religion, and will place thee near to himself, and thou wilt there be to me a succorer and supporter in my old age; on which account I principally brought thee up, and thou wilt thereby procure me God for my Comforter instead of thyself."
4. Now Isaac was of such a generous disposition as became the son of such a father, and was pleased with this discourse; and said, "That he was not worthy to be born at first, if he should reject the determination of God and of his father, and should not resign himself up readily to both their pleasures; since it would have been unjust if he had not obeyed, even if his father alone had so resolved." So he went immediately to the altar to be sacrificed. And the deed had been done if God had not opposed it; for he called loudly to Abraham by his name, and forbade him to slay his son; and said, "It was not out of a desire of human blood that he was commanded to slay his son, nor was he willing that he should be taken away from him whom he had made his father, but to try the temper of his mind, whether he would be obedient to such a command. Since therefore he now was satisfied as to that his alacrity, and the surprising readiness he showed in this his piety, he was delighted in having bestowed such blessings upon him; and that he would not be wanting in all sort of concern about him, and in bestowing other children upon him; and that his son should live to a very great age; that he should live a happy life, and bequeath a large principality to his children, who should be good and legitimate." He foretold also, that his family should increase into many nations  and that those patriarchs should leave behind them an everlasting name; that they should obtain the possession of the land of Canaan, and be envied by all men. When God had said this, he produced to them a ram, which did not appear before, for the sacrifice. So Abraham and Isaac receiving each other unexpectedly, and having obtained the promises of such great blessings, embraced one another; and when they had sacrificed, they returned to Sarah, and lived happily together, God affording them his assistance in all things they desired.

Abraham’s speech is interesting, supposing God was sparing Isaac from the way people die on earth and making a way for Abraham in heaven. Then Isaac says he would not have been worthy to be born if he didn’t obey the commands of God. Interesting that Josephus points out that it was not out of a desire of human blood that God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, but it was to see how quickly he would observe what God had asked.

Gen 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.11 And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

How much do we fear God to do what he asks even when it doesn’t make any sense to us? The messenger of Yahweh was sent to Abraham to stop Abraham form sacrificing Isaac and gave him the ram.

Gen 22:13-19 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.

Abraham called that place, Mount Moriah, Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord will see, or the Lord hath seen.

Jehovahjireh OT:3070 Yehovah Yir'eh (yeh-ho-vaw' yir-eh'); from OT:3068 and OT:7200; Jehovah will see (to it); Jehovah-Jireh, a symbolical name for Mount Moriah: KJV - Jehovahjireh.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Gen 22:15 And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.19 So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beer-sheba.

The blessing of God came to Abraham and his seed for his obedience and Isaac’s willingness.  God says that Abraham’s seed will possess the gates of the enemy.  This is interesting as it seems a contradiction when hardship and war abound that Abraham’s seed will seize the doorways of their adversary.   Because of Abraham and Isaac, Jesus then did the same but went further to become a living sacrifice, and to rise from the dead.  This is why Jesus said be of good cheer because he has overcome the world.  On the one hand possessing the gates of the enemy is physical but on the other hand it is also spiritual.  Having put satan to shame by obedience, Abraham’s seed now can possess the gates of the enemy, because God has seen.  Next we have to look at who the seed of Abraham are.

Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah Part 2, Satan Shows Up Again

Las week we looked at the background details in the spiritual realm which started the chain of events regarding Mount Moriah.  We saw satan accusing Abraham, reminding Yahweh of Abraham’s life for the past fifty years. We also read how Ishmael bragged about following God when Abraham was told to circumcise him. What we don’t really see until now is how Sarah treated her son, in almost a smothering way.  I do suppose cultures were different and Sarah herself was quite old, but to be so attached to Isaac, and emotionally dependent on his being close is very unusual to us today.  It shows the intensity of her love for him but also we realize how different Abraham and Sarah were compared to us today.  We see Abraham wanting to obey God, having to lie to Sarah, and then deal with satan along the way. From this we can also learn how to rebuke satan, the way Abraham did.

Jasher 23:3And Abraham said within himself, How shall I separate my son Isaac from Sarah his mother, in order to bring him up for a burnt offering before the Lord?4And Abraham came into the tent, and he sat before Sarah his wife, and he spoke these words to her,5My son Isaac is grown up and he has not for some time studied the service of his God, now tomorrow I will go and bring him to Shem, and Eber his son, and there he will learn the ways of the Lord, for they will teach him to know the Lord as well as to know that when he prayeth continually before the Lord, he will answer him, therefore there he will know the way of serving the Lord his God.

Shem and Eber were still alive and teaching the ways of the Lord so they were a good excuse for Abraham to separate Isaac from Sarah. This is similar to our children going to college; however Isaac is 37 and just leaving the nest. Later Isaac does go to live with Shem and Eber to learn the ways of God and lives with them for three years.

Jasher 23:6And Sarah said, Thou hast spoken well, go my lord and do unto him as thou hast said, but remove him not at a great distance from me, neither let him remain there too long, for my soul is bound within his soul.7And Abraham said unto Sarah, My daughter, let us pray to the Lord our God that he may do good with us.8And Sarah took her son Isaac and he abode all that night with her, and she kissed and embraced him, and gave him instructions till morning.9And she said to him, O my son, how can my soul separate itself from thee? And she still kissed him and embraced him, and she gave Abraham instructions concerning him.10And Sarah said to Abraham, O my lord, I pray thee take heed of thy son, and place thine eyes over him, for I have no other son nor daughter but him.11O forsake him not. If he be hungry give him bread, and if he be thirsty give him water to drink; do not let him go on foot, neither let him sit in the sun.12Neither let him go by himself in the road, neither force him from whatever he may desire, but do unto him as he may say to thee.13And Sarah wept bitterly the whole night on account of Isaac, and she gave him instructions till morning.14And in the morning Sarah selected a very fine and beautiful garment from those garments which she had in the house, that Abimelech had given to her.15And she dressed Isaac her son therewith, and she put a turban upon his head, and she enclosed a precious stone in the top of the turban, and she gave them provision for the road, and they went forth, and Isaac went with his father Abraham, and some of their servants accompanied them to see them off the road.16And Sarah went out with them, and she accompanied them upon the road to see them off, and they said to her, Return to the tent.17And when Sarah heard the words of her son Isaac she wept bitterly, and Abraham her husband wept with her, and their son wept with them a great weeping; also those who went with them wept greatly.18And Sarah caught hold of her son Isaac, and she held him in her arms, and she embraced him and continued to weep with him, and Sarah said, Who knoweth if after this day I shall ever see thee again?19And they still wept together, Abraham, Sarah and Isaac, and all those that accompanied them on the road wept with them, and Sarah afterward turned away from her son, weeping bitterly, and all her men servants and maid servants returned with her to the tent.

What drama, this would make a great movie. We have to remember that the Hollywood versions of the bible add these types of scenes into the history but are not found in historical records. Yet these historical records are true and we don’t see them on the big screen.  I think satan wants to hide the truth and make up lies when he can.  Yet this incident really paints satan out to be evil as we will see in a few weeks when we come back to Sarah.  I’m sure satan likes limiting the parts of history that make him look bad.

Jasher 23:20And Abraham went with Isaac his son to bring him up as an offering before the Lord, as He had commanded him.21And Abraham took two of his young men with him, Ishmael the son of Hagar and Eliezer his servant, and they went together with them, and whilst they were walking in the road the young men spoke these words to themselves,22And Ishmael said to Eliezer, Now my father Abraham is going with Isaac to bring him up for a burnt offering to the Lord, as He commanded him.23Now when he returneth he will give unto me all that he possesses, to inherit after him, for I am his first born.24And Eliezer answered Ishmael and said, Surely Abraham did cast thee away with thy mother, and swear that thou shouldst not inherit any thing of all he possesses, and to whom will he give all that he has, with all his treasures, but unto me his servant, who has been faithful in his house, who has served him night and day, and has done all that he desired me? to me will he bequeath at his death all that he possesses.

Contentions between Ishmael and Eliezer are interesting; they truly believed that Isaac would not return. I would guess Ishmael remembered the conversation he had with Isaac, where Isaac said that he would be a burnt offering for God if God wanted.  Eliezer however was a very faithful servent, who if we remember followed Abraham from the days of Nimrod, when Abraham was thrown into the fire. Then he saved Abraham’s life when Nimrod had a dream and decided to kill Abraham, telling Abraham to hide out with Noah and Shem.  Eliezer also followed Abraham every place he moved and went to Sodom to check on Lot for Sarah. By far Eliezer was more faithful then Ishmael.

Jasher 23:25And whilst Abraham was proceeding with his son Isaac along the road, Satan came and appeared to Abraham in the figure of a very aged man, humble and of contrite spirit, and he approached Abraham and said to him, Art thou silly or brutish, that thou goest to do this thing this day to thine only son?26For God gave thee a son in thy latter days, in thy old age, and wilt thou go and slaughter him this day because he committed no violence, and wilt thou cause the soul of thine only son to perish from the earth?27Dost thou not know and understand that this thing cannot be from the Lord? for the Lord cannot do unto man such evil upon earth to say to him, Go slaughter thy child.28And Abraham heard this and knew that it was the word of Satan who endeavored to draw him aside from the way of the Lord, but Abraham would not hearken to the voice of Satan, and Abraham rebuked him so that he went away.

Abraham rebukes satan and he leaves. But he wasn’t gone for good. Isn’t it interesting how satan first accuses Abraham that he’s forgotten God and hasn’t worshipped him since Isaac’s weaning, then he sets up the scenario, and then he tries to get Abraham to not go through with it.

Jasher 23:29And Satan returned and came to Isaac; and he appeared unto Isaac in the figure of a young man comely and well favored.30And he approached Isaac and said unto him, Dost thou not know and understand that thy old silly father bringeth thee to the slaughter this day for naught?31Now therefore, my son, do not listen nor attend to him, for he is a silly old man, and let not thy precious soul and beautiful figure be lost from the earth.32And Isaac heard this, and said unto Abraham, Hast thou heard, my father, that which this man has spoken? even thus has he spoken.33And Abraham answered his son Isaac and said to him, Take heed of him and do not listen to his words, nor attend to him, for he is Satan, endeavoring to draw us aside this day from the commands of God.34And Abraham still rebuked Satan, and Satan went from them, and seeing he could not prevail over them he hid himself from them, and he went and passed before them in the road; and he transformed himself to a large brook of water in the road, and Abraham and Isaac and his two young men reached that place, and they saw a brook large and powerful as the mighty waters.35And they entered the brook and passed through it, and the waters at first reached their legs.36And they went deeper in the brook and the waters reached up to their necks, and they were all terrified on account of the water; and whilst they were going over the brook Abraham recognized that place, and he knew that there was no water there before.37And Abraham said to his son Isaac, I know this place in which there was no brook nor water, now therefore it is this Satan who does all this to us, to draw us aside this day from the commands of God.38And Abraham rebuked him and said unto him, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, begone from us for we go by the commands of God.39And Satan was terrified at the voice of Abraham, and he went away from them, and the place again became dry land as it was at first.

Three times Abraham rebuked satan, I would guess the reason satan was terrified was because Abraham finally became annoyed enough to forcefully say “we go by the commands of God”. Sometimes we have to be forceful as well in rebuking satan.  We also have to not become weary in rebuking him, no matter how many times he comes back.

Jasher 23:40And Abraham went with Isaac toward the place that God had told him.41And on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place at a distance which God had told him of.42And a pillar of fire appeared to him that reached from the earth to heaven, and a cloud of glory upon the mountain, and the glory of the Lord was seen in the cloud.43And Abraham said to Isaac, My son, dost thou see in that mountain, which we perceive at a distance, that which I see upon it?44And Isaac answered and said unto his father, I see and lo a pillar of fire and a cloud, and the glory of the Lord is seen upon the cloud.45And Abraham knew that his son Isaac was accepted before the Lord for a burnt offering.46And Abraham said unto Eliezer and unto Ishmael his son, Do you also see that which we see upon the mountain which is at a distance?47And they answered and said, We see nothing more than like the other mountains of the earth. And Abraham knew that they were not accepted before the Lord to go with them, and Abraham said to them, Abide ye here with the ass whilst I and Isaac my son will go to yonder mount and worship there before the Lord and then return to you.48And Eliezer and Ishmael remained in that place, as Abraham had commanded.49And Abraham took wood for a burnt offering and placed it upon his son Isaac, and he took the fire and the knife, and they both went to that place.

God shows Abraham a pillar of fire and a cloud of glory, this must certainly encourage his heart after satan tried to get Abraham to doubt God. It must have been difficult for Ishmael and Eliezer to stay behind and wait for Abraham, but I imagine when they saw both return there were mixed reactions.  Ishmael was probably disappointed he was not going to inherit Abraham’s wealth, and Eliezer was probably glad Isaac was still alive.

Jubilees does not add much to the story. But Josephus adds insight to these events.

Jubilees 18:3. And he rose early in the morning and saddled his ass, and took his two young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood of the burnt-offering, and he went to the place on the third day, and he saw the place afar off. 4. And he came to a well of water, and he said to his young men, "Abide ye here with the ass, and I and the lad shall go (yonder), and when we have worshipped we shall come again to you." 5. And he took the wood of the burnt-offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife, and they went both of them together to that place.

Josephus CHAPTER 13. CONCERNING ISAAC THE LEGITIMATE SON OF ABRAHAM.
Josephus 13:2. Now Abraham thought that it was not right to disobey God in any thing, but that he was obliged to serve him in every circumstance of life, since all creatures that live enjoy their life by his providence, and the kindness he bestows on them. Accordingly he concealed this command of God, and his own intentions about the slaughter of his son, from his wife, as also from every one of his servants, otherwise he should have been hindered from his obedience to God; and he took Isaac, together with two of his servants, and laying what things were necessary for a sacrifice upon an ass, he went away to the mountain. Now the two servants went along with him two days; but on the third day, as soon as he saw the mountain, he left those servants that were with him till then in the plain, and, having his son alone with him, he came to the mountain. It was that mountain upon which king David afterwards built the temple.  Now they had brought with them every thing necessary for a sacrifice, excepting the animal that was to be offered only. Now Isaac was twenty-five years old. And as he was building the altar, he asked his father what he was about to offer, since there was no animal there for an oblation : - to which it was answered, "That God would provide himself an oblation, he being able to make a plentiful provision for men out of what they have not, and to deprive others of what they already have, when they put too much trust therein; that therefore, if God pleased to be present and propitious at this sacrifice, he would provide himself an oblation."

Josephus puts Isaacs’ age at 25 but Jasher puts his age at 37, which I think is more accurate as Sarah dies shortly after this incident and is 127 yrs old.  She was 90 when Isaac was born. The bible also tells us that Isaac was 40 when he took Rebekah as a wife, giving him three years with Shem and Eber from the age of 37.

Genesis again gives us the summation of these events.  

Gen 22:1-12 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you,6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.

I have a great amount of respect for Abraham, listening and obeying God even when it seemed ridiculous and absurd.  This is one way we are accounted as the sons of God, when we listen and obey God even when it doesn’t seem right in our understanding.  I’m sure it didn’t seem right to the Apostle Paul to fight wild beasts, but he didn’t die.

1 Cor 15:31-32 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die.KJV

Paul was thrown to the lions in Ephesus. I’ve been to the amphitheatre in Ephesus and have seen where the lions were kept before being let into the arena to eat the people the government officials threw in with them. It would not have been pretty for Paul unless in doing this God protected him and caused him to live, which would have brought the Christian Message to light. But look at Paul’s words, what advantage is there if the dead are not raised? Either Abraham believed Isaac would be raised to life again or if he wasn’t he would raised in death to be with God.  I think it was a very difficult walk up that mountain for Abraham, but I believe he was convinced it would be alright either way, just as Paul was convinced that the dead would live in Christ.  This is where we need to be in our faith, that we die daily and that we are convinced even if we are placed on an altar of sacrifice or thrown to lions that we will be alright in the end. Abraham believed it was not right to disobey God in anything but he was obliged to serve him in every circumstance of life. It is interesting that David would build the temple in that very place, the place that reminds us of our obedience to God.

I like the way The Message bible states Paul’s point

1 Cor 15:30-33And why do you think I keep risking my neck in this dangerous work? 31 I look death in the face practically every day I live. Do you think I'd do this if I wasn't convinced of your resurrection and mine as guaranteed by the resurrected Messiah Jesus? 32 Do you think I was just trying to act heroic when I fought the wild beasts at Ephesus, hoping it wouldn't be the end of me? Not on your life! It's resurrection, resurrection, always resurrection, that undergirds what I do and say, the way I live. If there's no resurrection, "We eat, we drink, the next day we die," and that's all there is to it. 33 But don't fool yourselves. Don't let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk. "Bad company ruins good manners." (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

Paul’s point is wonderful; it is resurrection, resurrection, resurrection!  We cannot fear death. Isaac was a type of Jesus. The Father sacrificed His Son, for us. Jesus the Messiah arose, therefore we have that guarantee, that if we confess Jesus as Lord we will be saved.    There may be a day when we face a very difficult time. We have to remember if we are submitted to God, it will all be fine, whether we live or die, it will be alright. Can we be like Isaac and submit to the plans of God? We will see satan twice more in this story, hindering Abraham and his family.