Genesis 22:11-12
But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”
Once, just days after the ressurection of our Lord Jesus Christ, He posed one of the most troubling questions to one of His disciples. On that morning by the sea, right after breakfast, He posed the agonizing question.
Jesus: "Peter, do you love Me more than these?"
Peter: "Yes Lord, You know that I love You."
Jesus: "Feed My lambs."
Moments later, the Lord spoke again.
Jesus: "Peter, do you love Me?"
Peter: "Yes Lord, You know that I love You."
Jesus: "Tend My sheep."
By this point, thoughts of the past couple of nights must have been running through the mind of Peter. And yet, moments later, Jesus questions him once more.
Jesus: "Do you love Me?"
Peter: "Lord, You know all things. You know that I love You."
Jesus: "Feed My sheep."
The true meaning behind Peter's restoration, is the fact that he repented three times. Previously, Peter had denied Jesus three times. Now, the Lord had one objective for Pete's sake, to heal His boy from his failure.
Deeper into the topic, what Jesus was getting out of Peter was this:
"Pete, if you love Me, then prove Me. Tell Me Pete, what will you do for Me? You know, I am a Jealous God."
The love that God desires from us isn't just mere words. Jesus once said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he would lay down his life for his friends." He also said, "I call you friends."
Jesus demonstrated the love of God on the agonizing cross. He not only laid down His life, but He regained it in triumphing over all that was against us. He also laid down His life for those in opposition. Shere love and determination has none than this I tell you.
But, we know that God loves us. But, do we really and truly love Him? John said that we love Him because He first loved us. But, really?
The question that Jesus poses every believer is the same question that He posed Peter: "Do you love Me?"
And, if you do love Him, how much do you love Him?
And, to prove this fact, one thing is certain about God, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
What would you trade for Jesus? What would you sacrifice? Just how much do you love this One called Jesus?
He's not interested in lip service. His interest is in the hearts of His people.
Abraham was confronted with one of the biggest tests of his life in the text. The Lord impressed it upon him to prepare his only and promised son as a burnt offering unto the Lord.
Out of Abraham's love for God and obedience, he agreed on the task. Now, Abraham was a man that feared God. But, it is written, he did not complain and didn't use any "but's" or "why's", he simply obeyed the voice of God.
There are times in your life where God is really going to try and test you just to see how much you love Him.
God, wanted Abraham to sacrifice his most prized and loved possession. But, one thing is certain, Abraham's love for Isaac did not surpass his love for God.
So, God allowed him to go as far as he possibly could, then He called out to him and stopped him.
In other words, God said unto Abraham, "Well done My good and faithful servant. You have proved Me."
Therefore, when God asks you to do something that seems to be very awkward, just obey the voice of God, because this is what He is saying:
"You love Me, right? Prove Me."
