It's Only A Test

📘 Genesis 22 – The Covenant Tested and Confirmed

“It’s Only A Test”

(Part 22 in the “God Keeping Covenant” Series)

INTRODUCTION

Genesis 22 is one of the most profound moments in Scripture.

Abraham has waited 25 years for Isaac, the promised son — the covenant son. Isaac is everything:

• The promise of God
• The covenant seed
• The future of nations
• The fulfillment of prophecy

Then suddenly, God calls Abraham’s name and gives the most difficult command:

“Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and offer him as a burnt offering.” (Gen. 22:2)

This chapter reveals:

• Faith at its highest
• Obedience without hesitation
• God’s provision (Jehovah-Jireh)
• A prophetic picture of Jesus Christ
• God’s oath to bless Abraham

Theme: God keeps covenant by testing faith, providing sacrifice, and confirming His promises with an oath.

Genesis 22:1–2 – God Tests Abraham

“God tested Abraham…”

This is not to destroy him but to reveal what’s inside him.
God already knew Abraham’s heart — the test was to show Abraham his own faith.

Covenant Lesson:

Covenant faith must be tested to be trusted.

Illustration:

Gold is heated to reveal impurities. God tests faith to purify it

Genesis 22:3 – Abraham’s Immediate Obedience

“Abraham rose early in the morning…”

No hesitation.
No bargaining.
No delays.

Covenant Lesson:

Delayed obedience is disobedience. Covenant obedience acts immediately.

Genesis 22:4–5 – “We Will Worship and We Will Return”

Abraham saw the mountain from afar and told the servants:

“I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.”

This shows resurrection faith.
Abraham believed God could raise Isaac back from the dead (Hebrews 11:17–19).

Covenant Lesson:

Covenant faith speaks the end before the beginning.

Illustration:

A parent praying over a sick child saying, “You shall live and not die” — speaking covenant over crisis.

Genesis 22:6–8 – “God Will Provide Himself a Lamb”

Isaac carries the wood — symbol of Christ carrying His cross.
Isaac asks, “Where is the lamb?”
Abraham answers:

“God will provide Himself a lamb.”

Prophecy.
Promise.
Provision.

Covenant Lesson:

When you obey, God provides.

Illustration:

God never gives vision without provision. Where He guides, He provides.

Genesis 22:9–10 – Abraham Lifts the Knife

Isaac willingly lies on the altar — foreshadowing Christ’s obedience.
Abraham raises the knife — 100% committed.

Covenant Lesson:

God waits until faith is fully surrendered.

Genesis 22:11–14 – Jehovah-Jireh: The LORD Will Provide

The angel calls out:

“Do not lay your hand on the boy…”

Then Abraham sees a ram caught in a thicket.

This is:

• Substitution
• Covenant exchange
• A prophetic picture of Christ, the Lamb with a crown of thorns

Abraham names the place:

“Jehovah-Jireh” – The LORD Will Provide.

Covenant Lesson:

Provision is found in the place of obedience.

Genesis 22:15–18 – God Swears by Himself

For the first time in Scripture, God makes an oath:

“By Myself I have sworn…”

He promises:

• Blessing
• Multiplication
• Victory over enemies
• A global bless