Abraham
The greatest model of faith is Abraham and the story of Genesis 22.
- Abraham was tested before he got the greatest blessing of his life.
- The test involved a threat to the promises he had been given. The nation that was to come from him was only one Son to that point – Isaac. Sometimes a challenge comes to us that threatens everything that we have been living for, or what we believe to be the will of God in our live. Will we lay it down?
- Passing the test led to greater faith than ever. Abraham’s faith became resurrection faith. He “reckoned” – counted up the cost and believed. Just as we are to reckon ourselves dead to sin (Romans 6)
Moses teaches us some more
Faith is careful who it identifies with – Moses chose not be called Pharaoh’s grandson.That would have given him all the riches and power anyone could want.
Faith chooses righteousness whatever the consequences – he chose to be mistreated with the people of God rather than the fleeting pleasures of sin. The palace was doomed to pass away. He chose the future glory!
Faith looks for long distance reward – he chose the greater wealth of Christ (who was to come in 1500 years give or take!), rather than Egypts treasure which is fleeting.
Faith is fearless because it sees God – v27.What freedom in fearing nothing and no-one!
God keeps His word v28-29. He does what he said He will do, so we have faith.
Faith= Belief + expectation
We believe what He has said and we expect Him to do it.
Faith believes in a better resurrection v32-40. All those heroes died in faith, believing in a better resurrection.
Faith = Belief + Expectation. What had the Lord told you He will do? Has expectation given way to disappointment? Keep pressing on. Remember those great cloud of witnesses and keep pressing on.
Andy Moyle
