Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” (Genesis 22:2)
This is one of those familiar Bible stories which, when we read, we maybe don't think about the message God is trying to deliver. I still inhale a deep breath at the thought of Abraham sacrificing his only son like this, but because I know the rest of the story, I might not give it the attention I should. Perhaps I am missing a real lesson here, a life lesson of outrageous love. Let's take a deeper look.
Genesis 22:2 is the first place in the Bible the word LOVE is used. This is significant for many reasons. This text is foreshadowing a son who will be sacrificed, an only son, a beloved son. There are more similarities to watch for: Isaac carried the wood for the fire (Jesus carried His own cross), the trip was 3 days, they went uphill to a mountain (Calvary). Do you see any others?
“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?
”Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” (v. 7-8)
After God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son, an offering was found in the thickets – a ram’s horn was caught, (Jesus is the Horn of Salvation). The beauty and the relevance is stunning. Is there anything else that catches your eye? Read this text expecting God to reveal even more.
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