There are a few recorded instances in Scripture in which individuals were raised from the dead (i.e. 2 Kings 13:21; Luke 7:11–15; John 11:43–44; Acts 20:9–10); none more significant, of course, than that of the Lord Christ Himself (Matthew 28:1-6). In most of these instances Scripture records these individuals spoke after their resurrection (and, by the way, none of them spoke about any “experiences” beyond the grave; such as “seeing a bright light;” etc.). In this sense it could be said that these were “voices from the dead.” However, it is not about these individuals that we concern ourselves currently. Rather, it is in the metaphorical sense of Hebrews 11:4 that we speak. The text states: “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” Like this man Abel, many continue to “speak from the dead” through the lives they lived and the legacies they left. One such individual is the great and notable patriarch Abraham.

Of this great man, the Record reveals: “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure” (Heb. 11:17-19). Regarding this courageous and faithful deed of “offer[ing] up his only begotten son,” Abraham yet speaks to us from the dead. This offering of Isaac (as recorded in Genesis 22) showed:

  1. A Faith That Would Obey (Hebrews 11:17; James 2)
    1. Biblical faith has always shown itself in obedience
    2. This was true in every dispensation of time
  2. A Faith That Would Obey God With Exactness
    1. In the what– offering (Genesis 22:2-3)
    2. In the whom– Isaac (Genesis 22:2-3; Hebrews 11:17)
    3. In the where– Moriah (Genesis 22:2-3)
  3. A Faith That Would Obey God Without Question
    1. Genesis 22:3 states: “And Abraham rose up early in the morning….”
    2. He offered no excuses, nor proposed any alternatives
      1. “But, God, this is inconsistent with your nature.”
      2. “But, Lord, he’s the child of promise!”
      3. “Do you really mean this, Lord?”
      4. “What about Ishmael as a substitute?”
    3. Compare Naaman (2 Kings 5:11-12):
    4. Never put a question mark where God has put a period!
  4. A Faith That Obeyed, Regardless of How Unreasonable it Seemed
    1. Heb. 11:19- To that point in time (as recorded in Genesis 22), no one had been “raised from the dead”
    2. Genesis 22:5 “the lad and I…will come again unto you”
  5. A Faith That Obeyed God When His Emotions Would Have Led Him to Do Otherwise
    1. Note the amplification in Genesis 22:2:
      1. “thy son”
      2. “thine only son”
      3. “whom thou lovest”
    2. In contrast, compare his attitude with those who allow family to keep them from obeying, worshiping, etc.1.
    3. Compare his attitude with those who refuse to dissolve unscriptural marriages
      1. Matthew 5:32; 19:9
      2. Ezra 10:2-4, 10-12, 17, 44
  6. A Faith That Obeyed God Regardless of How Inconvenient It Was
    1. Preparations had to be made (Genesis 22:3)
    2. A three-day journey (Genesis 22:4)
    3. Perhaps had prior commitments, prior plans
  7. A Faith That Obeyed God Regardless of the Costs
    1. Consider obedience of 3 Hebrew youths. Costly? (Daniel 3)
    2. Consider Daniel’s obedience. Costly? (Daniel 6)
    3. Consider Stephen’s obedience. Costly? (Acts 7)
    4. Matthew 16:24
    5. Obedience might cost you your hobby, career, family; even life
  8. A Faith That Obeyed God In the Absence of Human Applause
    1. Genesis 22:5 “…abide ye here…and I and the lad will go”
    2. Cups of water have their reward (Matthew 10:42)
  9. A Faith That Obeyed God With Amazing Promptness
    1. “And Abraham rose up early in the morning….” (Genesis 22:3)
    2. Such words as “now” and “today” are Bible emphasis words
      1. 2 Corinthians 6:2
      2. Hebrews 3:13-14
      3. Spell “WON” backwards “NOW”