The Bible Courseනියැදිය

Isaac, the sacrifice and the substitute – a big test of faith

Reflect:

‘Because I told you ...’ Few responses are more frustrating to hear as a child. Why can’t we have more sweet treats, visit the toy store, or spend extra hours on the iPad? Many a longing has been denied with this favourite parenting phrase. A parent can see the end result (probably vomit or tears!) when the child cannot, and sets a restraint for their own good. The child obeys, not because they can see the end, but because they know the person in command can see it for them and they’re learning to trust their judgement.

Why would God’s request to Abraham have been so shocking to him?

Genesis 22 is crunch point for Abraham and his faith in the promises of God. The story would have felt shocking then, as it does for us now. God asks Abraham to take his ‘only son’ (verse 2) and sacrifice him in the ‘land of Moriah’. Why would he do this? After all, God’s promises all hinged on Isaac, the miracle child! But Abraham trusted that God had a good purpose behind the tough ask, so he went fully prepared to obey.

How does God rescue?

At the very last moment, God intervenes (verse 11). With Abraham's knife poised mid-air to sacrifice Isaac, God provides a substitute. A ram dies in place of Isaac. Abraham’s faith in God comes through. God is never going to go back on his promises.

Today, the land of Moriah is thought to include Jerusalem. In some traditions, this rocky outcrop was known as Golgotha, or Calvary – the very place where Jesus the Messiah was crucified. Abraham did not have to sacrifice his only son because centuries later God sacrificed his. The story of Abraham and Isaac points us to God the Father and Jesus the Son.

When we can’t see or understand what God is doing, we can trust him. Our faith holds up because we trust a faithful God. Our fickle world gives us enough reason to have trust issues. We’re accustomed to being let down, but we can have deep confidence that God has and will come through for us: ‘He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all’ (Romans 8.32).

Respond

What is going on in your life that you don’t understand or can’t see God at work in? Fall back on the promises of God and speak them over your struggles.