Genesis 22:3a Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac.
I have such a difficult time with what God is asking Abraham to do–sacrifice his son, his heir, the promised head of many generations. In my mind, Isaac is a child in these verses; however, a brief Google search says he was older than 4 but younger than 40 AND that Jewish tradition puts him at 37 years old at this time. That totally changes this story as I thought Isaac was a child; however, my difficulty with this scripture still remains.
Genesis 22:3b When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.
It feels cruel, mean spirited, to ask this of Abraham, to put Isaac through this test. But God is neither cruel nor mean spirited, so I am left to wrestle with what really is going on. How can I reconcile the loving, compassionate God I know with this God who asks Abraham to sacrifice his son? I know the sacrifice will ultimately not be required of him, but he doesn’t, and yet, he obeys, trusting God to keep His promise, even now, even through this.
Genesis 22:4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.
Precious Savior, I feel like I should apologize for struggling so with this scripture, but I truly believe that I bring You joy when I read and question and wrestle with the things that I do not understand. This scripture makes me terribly uncomfortable. I don’t like what You are asking of Abraham and Isaac. As a parent, it is terrifying, but I know You are loving and good. Help me seek to see and understand the lesson You have for me here. Help me. Amen.
Genesis 22:5 He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”
Have a blessed day.