The Genesis 22:1-14 account of Abraham's requested sacrifice of his son, Isaac, is a gut-wrenching one. Especially, if as fathers we try to switch places with Abraham.
The undiscussed element of this story, known for its illustration of Abraham's obedience and faith, is Isacc's role. A teenager, he could have at any time eluded his father. When he saw there was no sacrifice, when it came time to be bound for the sacrifice--he could have simply over-powered his 100-plus old father and run.
But he didn't. Why?
I believe that Abraham's trust in God's provision and his faith in God's promise (see Hebrews 11:17-19) was contagious; in other words, Isaac "caught it". When Abraham said, "God will provide" (Jehovah Jireh), he was really saying in strict Hebrews, "God will see to it". That consummate expression of faith in God made Isaac willing to travel with his father, to allow himself to be bound, to (perhaps) climb up on the offering and lay in position while his father stood obediently poised with a knife.
Some things are better "caught" than "taught". Isaac observed his father's steadfast faith and "went on together with him" (see the text).
Now that's the legacy of a true father.
No comments:
Post a Comment