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The Ultimate Sacrifice
Tim Savage13Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22
This is one of those stories that never cease to astonish me. It also frightens and inspires me. Abraham and Sarah finally and miraculously have a child, Isaac, then, after fulfilling His promise of a son, God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on the altar. It’s hard for me to comprehend any of this; it’s a case of truth being stranger than fiction. I’ve read this passage so many times in my life and I’ve seen it depicted in films and yet nothing quite captures the reality of the situation. Abraham, an old man, took his young son, Isaac, up in to the mountains, had the mental and physical strength to put Isaac in to a sacrificial position and raised the knife, ready to give his son to his creator. Isaac had to have been somewhat compliant in this, after all, he remarked about the need for an animal to sacrifice, he surely could’ve run or fought to save his life, but somehow father and son ended up in the most horrific and unlikely situations.
Of course, we all know the happy ending to the story. God sent an angel to stay Abraham’s knife from striking Isaac, God is pleased with Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice the most precious in his life and an entire nation is birthed. Wow.
I have to be honest, I hope I’m never called upon to sacrifice anyone, much less my son, daughter or wife, in such a manner. Does that bring up a question of my devotion and commitment to God? I hope not! But one thing that I have learned over the years is that Yahweh-Yireh – God provides. It’s been proven that I cannot out give Him and that He sends provision when I can’t provide and in His perfect timing. I have to be willing to follow Him, I have to have faith in His love and care for me and have to believe in Him as the sovereign Creator. It’s been wonderful and exciting ride so far and I look forward to what the future has in store.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for the many times I’ve let you down, but thank You for your love, protection and blessings for me and my family. May I be a light to others that reflects You. I want to be an example of what it means to be in relationship with You.
In Jesus name,
Amen
