Only Son

Burnt Offering

We just finished the message on Issac and his troubles with Ishmael. Now after his half brother was dismissed from the family we find ourselves at another difficult time of testing for Abraham and Issac.

Genesis 22:1–2 (NRSV)

The Command to Sacrifice Isaac

(Heb 11:17–19)

22 After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.” So, lets look at what this might have meant to Abraham. He had waited over ninety years to see his on son, just to see Ishmael be pushed away because of Issac’s birth. We can assume that Abraham loved both his sons very much. We can also see why Sarah, his wife, might have issues with Ishmael and Hagar, now that she has her own son. but, let us focus on Abraham for this time. Abraham was the father of both; much like God is father of all, and you have to feel for him as he watches his son Ishmael driven from his home and protection, into the unknown; a promise from God.

Genesis 22:3 (NRSV)

3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac; he cut the wood for the burnt offering, and set out and went to the place in the distance that God had shown him. This is a journey, which starts early in the morning. Abraham makes all the preparations for this to happen. For many, this is so appalling to our humanness that we won’t even begin the journey. What sacrifice did he ask of you?

This journey for Abraham and his son, was no small journey. We have established in scripture that they woke and began the journey at first light. Genesis 22:4–5 (NRSV)

4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place far away. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there; we will worship, and then we will come back to you.” Have you ever been on a journey that changes your life? I as a child, could not climb the rope at school. You know the one in gym class where you got to show your strength and bravery. I was not strong or brave. I can only imagine a mountain climber and the challenges that they must overcome. You cannot climb mountains and not overcome fear. You cannot climb mountains without strength training. In the same way, we cannot serve the Lord in mighty ways without preparation. Do you think that Abraham just had what it takes to be faithful? What Abraham and Sarah did was of great faith. Genesis 22:6–8 (NRSV)

6 Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. 7 Isaac said to his father Abraham, “Father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together. I want you to notice that Isaac was the intended offering, the one that God called for, and he participated in his own offering. I ask you, is Abraham and Sarah the only ones who can know how God felt after giving his son.