Tuesday 20 November 2012
- Bible Book:
- Genesis
"He said, 'Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt-offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.'" (22:2)
Background
In her old age Isaac is born to Sarah, just as the Lord hadpromised (Genesis 17:16). The naming of the child and hiscircumcision when eight days old are in accordance with
The sacrifice of Isaac is the supreme test of Abraham's faith.After Abraham had left his homeland in response to the divine call,and had received the promise of an heir and the land of Canaan ashis inheritance, his faith is greatly tested. Abraham is nowordered by God to take Isaac, the son of promise and the child heloved, to the land of Moriah, and offer him up as a sacrifice.
God is asking Abraham to give back the son whom he had receivedas a miraculous gift. Such a prospect is beyond all human reasonand comprehension.
The problem here is one of obedience to God's word in the faceof utter despair. Can Abraham be so obedient? Not a word ismentioned about Abraham's inner turmoil; he goes with his son tothe place of sacrifice. There is no middle course.
Abraham prepares the altar for the sacrifice of Isaac and isready to kill for him, when the angel of the Lord stays his handand stops the fatal act.
Instead Abraham sees a ram in a nearby thicket and offers it upas a sacrifice in the place of his son. As a reward for Abraham'sobedience, the Lord through the angel messenger, renews God's ownpromises to him.
To Ponder
- What makes you 'laugh'?
- How has your faith been tested?
- In what ways has the testing of your faith led to a deeperfaith?