Abraham

“The Sacrifice of Isaac” by Pedro de Orrente (PD-ArtlPD-old-100)

Most of us have dealt with medical issues at one time or another. We have weighed the risks, and made the choice of whether to take a given medication, have a certain procedure or not.

That choice becomes far more difficult when it involves instead someone we love. We labor over the decision, attempt to assess every possible consequence, all the while wishing fervently we could assure the outcome. We hope and pray; plead and promise; rage at the lack of control, then pray again.

Abraham must have felt something similar when God instructed him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. This was, after all, the son Abraham he had waited for, longed for. This was the son whose birth would have been celebrated with feasting, whose every step Abraham would have watched over with care.

Now a death sentence had been handed down.

Abraham’s faith at this moment of crisis is renowned. Miscasting Abraham as superhuman, some preachers have described him as experiencing no doubts. But the Bible is actually silent, in this regard.

How much greater Abraham’s faith in the face of doubts and fears? Do we imagine he went blithely toward the intended place? Every footstep must have been an ordeal.

Of course, another Father planned to sacrifice His Son instead.

“Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am’ ” (Gen. 22: 1).

Father, Your ways are beyond our ways. You test us at times beyond anything we think we can bear.

Yet always Your kindness surrounds us. Your love was made manifest in the person and the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus.

May we like Abraham answer, “Here I am,” whenever You call.

Amen

READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse  http://www.avoicereclaimed