And he saw the place from afar – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Genesis 22:1-5 – After a while, God put Abraham to the test, saying to him, “Abraham!” He answered, “Here I am. Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will show you.
The Faith that Looks to the Future
Introduction to Genesis 22:1-5
Genesis 22 presents us with one of the most challenging episodes in Abraham’s history: the sacrifice of Isaac. After years of waiting for the promise of a son, Abraham receives the divine command to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. Imagine the whirlwind of emotions that invaded the patriarch’s heart: anguish, doubt, incomprehension. However, in the midst of the trial, Abraham’s faith proved unshakeable.
In verse 4, we read: “On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place afar off”. This apparently simple phrase carries a profound meaning. Abraham, even in the face of imminent sacrifice, kept his focus on God’s promise, visualizing the place God had prepared. He “saw” beyond the pain, beyond the apparent contradiction, beyond the present suffering.
The context of verse 4 reveals the importance of faith that looks to the future, that sees beyond present circumstances and clings to the hope of what God has promised. Abraham, even without understanding God’s purpose, obeyed God’s command, trusting that He would keep His word.
Abraham’s attitude inspires and challenges us today. We live in a world marked by uncertainty, anxiety and fear of the future. We are bombarded with negative news, crises and challenges that can lead us to despair. However, like Abraham, we are called to “see the place from afar”, to maintain hope and to trust in God’s promises, even in the midst of difficulties.
Development
“And it came to pass after these things, that God tested Abraham…”
- Trials and challenges are part of the journey of faith. God allows us to go through difficult times in order to strengthen our trust in Him and shape us into His image. Abraham, even though he was God’s friend, was tested intensely, but his faith remained firm.
- In today’s world, we face many trials: illness, loss, financial crises, broken relationships and persecution. In the midst of these challenges, we are invited to cling to God and trust in his sovereignty.
- James 1:2-4 encourages us: “My brothers, have great joy when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the test of your faith is patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
“…and said to him: Abraham! And he said, Here I am.”
- Abraham’s readiness to respond to God’s call reveals his willingness to obey, even without fully understanding God’s purpose. He puts himself at the Lord’s disposal, trusting in his goodness and faithfulness.
- In a world marked by disobedience and rebellion, we are called to have the same attitude as Abraham, saying “here I am” to the Lord, ready to do his will.
- Isaiah 6:8 inspires us: “After this I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, ‘Here am I; send me.
“…and said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest…”
- Isaac’s sacrifice represented the greatest test of faith for Abraham. God asked him to give up what was most precious to him, the promise he had received. However, Abraham trusted God, believing that He was capable of fulfilling His word, even if it seemed impossible.
- God often asks us to give up something we love, dreams, plans and desires. At such times, we are called to trust in His wisdom and believe that He has the best for us.
- Hebrews 11:17-19 reminds us: “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten; and it was said to him, ‘In Isaac your offspring shall be called;’ whereas God was able to raise him up from the dead; from whom also he received him by way of figure.”
“…and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there for a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will tell you.”
- Abraham’s obedience, even in the face of a seemingly absurd command, reveals the depth of his faith. He didn’t question, he didn’t hesitate, but was willing to do God’s will, even if he didn’t understand the purpose.
- In today’s world, we are constantly challenged to obey God, even when his commandments seem difficult or unpopular. Obedience is an act of faith and trust in divine sovereignty.
- John 14:15 exhorts us: “If you love me, keep my commandments”.
“On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar.”
- Abraham, even in the face of imminent sacrifice, remains focused on God’s promise. He “sees” the place that God has prepared, demonstrating a faith that transcends present circumstances.
- In a world marked by uncertainty and fear of the future, we are called to “see the place from afar”, to maintain hope and to trust in God’s promises, even in the midst of difficulties.
- Hebrews 11:1 teaches us: “Faith is the foundation of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.
Conclusion
Genesis 22:1-5 invites us to reflect on the importance of faith that looks to the future, that sees beyond present circumstances and clings to the hope of what God has promised. May we, like Abraham, “see the place from afar”, trusting in God’s promises and obeying His Word, even in the midst of trials and challenges.
Preaching Outline on Genesis 22:1-5 – After a while, God put Abraham to the test, saying to him, “Abraham!” He answered, “Here I am. Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will show you.
More Preaching Outlines
- Sacrifice of the Lamb – Genesis 22:1
- Where the Lamb is – Genesis 22:7
- God’s way is perfect – Psalm 18:30
- Isaac’s discovery – Genesis 22:7
