I’ve started a quick read of the Bible – which I have never done before. It is January 2nd and Sarah is already dead. I’ve also finished the account which is most challenging for me. I’m not sure when I first wanted to run out of the room. I can’t remember the first telling of when Abraham headed up the mountain to sacrifice his son. My immediate human reaction is that it is a cruel request. Who would ask such a thing? In fact, the request was made by the almighty God, whom I trust – most of the time. I remember the symbolism of God sacrificing His own son. It is still hard on a mother’s heart. Genesis 22:1 sets up the circumstances. It reads, “Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am'”. Let’s back up to learn what ‘these things’ are. In chapter 21 – Sarah is pregnant as God had promised. They name the miracle boy Isaac. The first son, from the maid, is kicked out of town by Sarah. Next, Abraham makes a deal with some army commanders. They disagreed on water rights. Abraham makes a journey into the land of the Philistines.
The background sounds like a chronology and not an explanation for the sacrifice. I know God is concerned about our hearts and intentions and not the rules He created to help us live our best lives. The proof of that is the thief on the cross who did none of what we in the church describe as following Jesus but He simply believed. We know God wants belief. He wants us to trust Him and sometimes there is a test. I don’t understand this test because I am a mom and a grandma. The most special gift God has ever given me is the honor to raise two wonderful human beings. I would have failed this test and maybe that is why the account bothers me. I am “ye of little faith” among the Abrahams. Even today – releasing these wonderful human beings into an unpredictable world has its moments! Love them and still love being their mom and grandma.
