Abraham tested

Today’s reading is rather famous (and infamous). Many have struggled to understand how God could test Abraham in this way. But this passage isn’t just a test – it’s also a revelation and a promise. God would never ask Abraham to give his only son. And yet, what God would not ask of His people, God Himself will do. God will give His only son, Jesus, to save us from sin and death. As you read, look for symbols and phrases in the story which connect with the story of Jesus.

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

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REFLECTION

Trust and Obey 
by Judy Webb

Sometime later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 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 22:1-2

This is a jaw-dropping story to anyone who hasn't heard it before. Abraham and Sarah prayed for a child for years and finally a son is given to them by God. Now, this father, Abraham, is being asked by God to sacrifice their child as an act of obedience and trust. 

Once they arrived at the place where the sacrifice was to take place Abraham instructed is servants: “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you. Genesis 22:5. 

I have glossed over this verse too many times to tell. But today, as I read, I saw the word we, and began to understand the real meaning of faith. Abraham loved and trusted God so much that he just knew God's plan wasn't to harm him (or Isaac), but to prosper him. (Jeremiah 29:11) Abraham's faith was expressed with that one small word we. Maybe he didn't realize what he was saying, but for sure, his faith was such that he trusted God implicitly. 

Read Hebrews 11:17-19 for even deeper understanding. Abraham expressed confidence that he and Isaac would return even though he intended to obey God's command.

Let's pause for a minute and soak in this next scene. As they approach the designated spot for the sacrifice, father and son are exhibiting an obedience that surpasses all understanding. Does this scene seem at all familiar? Perhaps foreshadowing a future event of another father and son? 

Isaac, the innocent only son of Abraham/Jesus, the innocent lamb and only son of God. So many parallels: three days journey to the Mount for Isaac/three days in the tomb for Jesus, Isaac carries the wood for the burnt offering/Jesus carries his cross to the hill. Both young, blameless, and willing to die. The difference is only one actually gave up his life.

It is also thought that Mt Moriah, where Isaac was meant to be sacrificed, and the hill at Calvary were the same location. It has taken 100 years, but Abraham learned to trust God. What is the hardest test of faith you have ever been through? How has God been teaching you that you can trust him?

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