Genesis 22:1-14
"1...(God) said unto him, 'Abraham'..." Who knows what Abraham had been doing at the time? Perhaps he was having supper. Or maybe it was a sunset evening and Abraham's beloved son was out on the field. And Abraham, the very proud aged father, was grinning as he watched his son.
We don't know for certain what exactly he was doing.
God called to him. Perhaps Abraham had answered absentmindedly, 'Here I am,' with his eyes looking dazedly at his son.
But if he was, the next words he heard must have shocked him out of his reverie.
"Take now thy son, thine only son, Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of."
What?!
Now the Bible tells us nothing of Abraham's verbal response. I've checked all the versions I can get my hands on. Nothing. Nada. Perhaps he didn't talk back to God nor question him. But I wonder what his flesh must have been telling him. Your only son? Even God had made emphasis on that.
But isn't that what faith does? Jumping when God tells you to even though you're at the edge of the cliff. Giving your last dime to someone who needs it more, knowing God said He wouldn't "...leave you nor forsake you..."
So the story goes on. Early the next morning (immediate obedience), Abraham set out. He didn't slack. He didn't procastinate. He didn't wait long enough for fear, doubt and 'common sense' to come in. He stepped out in faith.
Now here comes this interesting part. Could this be the foreshadow of a future event that would take place centuries later? The sacrifice of the Messiah, God's own only begotten Son.
Let's go on...
Verse 4 says Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place where the sacrifice should take place. That struck me. Afterall, do we not lift up our eyes to the cross, our only hope? The place of the ultimate sacrifice made for humanity. The place of victory (Col 2:14-15)
Let's go to our young friend, Isaac. "7...Isaac asked, 'I can see that you have the coals and the wood, but where is the lamb for the sacrifice?" Smart alec this one. Perhaps the servants that accompanied them had wondered too. And finally, someone voiced it.
Where is the lamb for the sacrifice?
Where is the lamb for the sacrifice?
Go forward to that time at Gethsemane. They had come for Him. Yea, the time was at hand. Jesus was not caught unaware, but the disciples were. An ear-cut and a miraculous healing later, Jesus of Nazareth was led away as...you guessed it..."...a lamb to the slaughter..." (Isaiah 53:7)
The reply Abraham had to give must have broken his very own heart. "God Himself will provide one." (vs. 8)
Perhaps he was lying. Or he was speaking in faith. But that's it, isn't it? There's a very thin line between faith and lying. Isn't lying calling what is not as though it were. So is faith. The difference is that faith is backed up by a knowing and that in itself is the evidence.Let's get on with the story though. They walked on. We are not told if there was any conversation. Perhaps they walked on in silence, each left with his own thoughts. Isaac with his bewilderment, confusion and curiosity. Abraham with sorrow in his heart, and a large dose of faith. They walked on still.
Finally, they arrive at their destination. Abraham goes about the business, setting up the altar. I can't help but wonder what our friend was thinking, even as his father tied him to the altar. At least, he wasn't drugged so he must have been conscious. And so the knife is raised.
Now if you didn't already know the story, this would be a pretty cool place to pause and leave you in gut-wrenching suspense. But seeing as you already know it, let's get on with it.
Did he stab Isaac? Did he not? Well...(drumroll, please)...he did not!
"11. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven and said, 'Abraham, Abraham', and he said, 'Here am I'."(KJV)
Guess you already know how it all ends. But listen to the angel of the LORD.
He said "...now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son." (vs 12) Abraham had proven himself and passed the test! Go Abraham!!
Why do you think God did all these in the first place? He had to ensure that the gift wasn't getting more attention than the Giver. Isn't that what we do most times?? "Lord, please I need a job!" We beg and plead and cry, and God in His infinite love and mercies grants us our requests. And then, why did you miss church? "Oh, I've been very busy with work. I was so tired! I'll be in church next week." Next week?? Same ol' story. Why haven't you been praying? "I hardly even have time for my family. I pray before I sleep though and sometimes before I eat, whenever I remember."
So many lessons are to be drawn from this. I'm sure the Holy Spirit of the living God will enlighten you more. My work here is done. What's one of the many things I've learnt?? Well, apparently, obedience is better than sacrifice. LoL. Take care ;)
