Did ever any man long more or wait longer for a son than Abraham. Puzzled by God's promise to make his "seed" more numerous than all the stars he could see, yet growing old without even one son. Promised that his heirs would occupy the "promised land", yet having no heir. Past the age with his wife when they could possibly expect to get pregnant, and still waiting.
Then comes the specific promise in Genesis 18 and the arrival of baby Isaac a year after. How much did Sarah and Abraham love Isaac? If ever a couple were tempted to totally dote on their new born son, surely it was these two. Abraham must have loved Isaac as much as any father has ever loved his son. How he must have treasured his days as his infant son began to grow.
Then God tells him to take Isaac, his young son to Mount Moriah and kill him as a sacrifice. Abraham does not question or delay. The very next morning he obeyed God and began the terrible, heart wrenching journey to Mount Moriah. God allowed Abraham to go through all of the preparation, even to tying his son on a makeshift altar and holding the killing knife in his hand. Finally, at the last minute, God tells him "No. You don't have to kill your much loved son." Abraham had proved that he indeed loved God more than anything and anyone else.
What faith, what obedience, what a sacrifice Abraham was prepared to make! Has any father ever loved his son more or been asked to make a greater sacrifice?
Only at the manger and at the Cross do we recognize Abraham's "almost sacrifice" as a forerunner of the amazing sacrificial gift of Divine love. Father God so loved that He gave "His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Again this morning as I read Genesis 22, I was deeply moved by Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his greatest love. And I shall forever live in awe of our Father's love in sending Jesus to die that cruel cross death for you - and me.
Then comes the specific promise in Genesis 18 and the arrival of baby Isaac a year after. How much did Sarah and Abraham love Isaac? If ever a couple were tempted to totally dote on their new born son, surely it was these two. Abraham must have loved Isaac as much as any father has ever loved his son. How he must have treasured his days as his infant son began to grow.
Then God tells him to take Isaac, his young son to Mount Moriah and kill him as a sacrifice. Abraham does not question or delay. The very next morning he obeyed God and began the terrible, heart wrenching journey to Mount Moriah. God allowed Abraham to go through all of the preparation, even to tying his son on a makeshift altar and holding the killing knife in his hand. Finally, at the last minute, God tells him "No. You don't have to kill your much loved son." Abraham had proved that he indeed loved God more than anything and anyone else.
What faith, what obedience, what a sacrifice Abraham was prepared to make! Has any father ever loved his son more or been asked to make a greater sacrifice?
Only at the manger and at the Cross do we recognize Abraham's "almost sacrifice" as a forerunner of the amazing sacrificial gift of Divine love. Father God so loved that He gave "His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Again this morning as I read Genesis 22, I was deeply moved by Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his greatest love. And I shall forever live in awe of our Father's love in sending Jesus to die that cruel cross death for you - and me.
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