Abraham is the father of three major religions, no less. The so-called Abrahamic religions are Judaism, Christianity and Islam. There are some more, but the big three are the major ones.
Since Abraham’s death, there has been some disagreement in the family. It’s not your fault, Abraham. It happens every family, after a few generations, when there’s a significant heritage to take care of.
Abraham was a good man, faithful to his God. Abraham’s youngest son Isaac was born when he (Abraham) was 100 years old. Not bad; this was long before Viagra. God required Abraham to sacrifice his son on the top of a mountain (Genesis 22:2-8). In the last minute, when Abraham had bound Isaac to the altar, God stepped out and said: “Sorry, Abe. I was just kidding”.
That’s a Hell of a God. Not the kind of God I would recommend.
By the way, the Russian Tsar played a similar joke on Dostoyevsky in 1849, when he was arrested and sentenced to death for political radicalism
It is hard for us to understand such a frightening test. I think the point is that God knew Abraham's heart and that he would trust God's goodness after fulfilling His earlier promise to Abraham and Sara, that they would have a child. It is a story of God's faithfulness and provision (the sacrificial ram) that points to the New Testament provision of the One who would sacrifice Himself for the world.
ReplyDeleteWhat Susan said. It was a test and God knew Abraham would pass. He wouldn't have let him sacrifice his son.
ReplyDeleteYah, not a god I'm interested in. that's pretty freaking cruel to insist you sacrifice your only precious child. and pretty horrific on Abraham's part that he would willingly do so.
ReplyDelete'Since Abraham’s death, there has been some disagreement in the family.'
ReplyDeleteThat made me laugh.