January 21 - Genesis 22:1-3

God tested Abraham ... sa[ying],

"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 ..."

So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey.

Genesis 22:1-3

　

This is such a rich story.

　

And such a horrifying story.

　

First a little texture from these first three verses: 1) God tested Abraham ... which means, perhaps he tests us too. 2) Abraham obeyed immediately ... and perhaps we should too. 3) But what's this about sacrificing your own son?!!!

　

It is an understandably abhorrant thought to most of us that God would ever call us to sacrifice our own child. But here's what you need to know about this story to make it make sense: 1) God did NOT ask Abraham to go through with this sacrifice, 2) but all the other "gods" of the world did.

　

Who are "all the other 'gods'"? It is pure evil that brings about the shedding of innocent blood. The true God showed powerfully on top of Mt. Moriah that he would never, ever demand the sacrifice of a child. He will always, always provide a substitute for our blood.

　

And here on this mountain was a powerful foreshadowing of God's love and God's eternal plan. In place of Isaac was a ram / a lamb. This pointed forward to the Passover, where God's people were spared by the sacrifice of a lamb. And this pointed forward to the cross, where God's people -- you and me -- were spared by the loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

　

Human blood does not need to be shed. God -- in his love -- always provides a substitute. Isaac lived ... and so do you and I!

　

In Christ's Love,

a guy who likes lamb