Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/178

160 Then Rabbi Akiba understood, and once more he thanked God for having saved his life. For he said, "Had they not refused me lodging, I would have been killed with them. And had not the wind put out my light, and the animals killed my companions, the robbers might have seen me studying, or heard the cock crow or the ass bray, and would have captured me. Praised be God, who does everything for good".

God tries everyone in some way. Nor must we imagine that, as with Abraham, at the last moment our sacrifice will not be required. Generally our sacrifice is accepted. And the real test is in the way we offer our sacrifice, the willingness with which we give up what is dear, the perfect faith in God which we still preserve, and which keeps us from doubting His wisdom and goodness.

At times God even demands the very same sacrifice which He asked of Abraham, dearly beloved children, or even an only child. Of course He does not ask that the parent sacrifice his child with knife in hand. Nevertheless it is a sacrifice indeed to give up a darling child or some other loved one at Cod's behest, probably the very greatest sacrifice. Just as with Abraham, it is always the hardest test of faith. Some make the sacrifice, not willingly, of course, but with resignation and perfect faith that God knows best, even as Abraham did. Others doubt and question, and say, "God can not have done this", or "God is unjust and cruel", or "There can be no God, for, otherwise, Ile would not have let this sorrow befall me". But we must remember that we can not understand God's motives nor His ways.

This is the true faith, which enables us to endure all trials and stand all tests, and prove ourselves fit and ready for the