Today we come to one of the most emotionally charged moments in all of scripture: God’s command to Abraham that he sacrifice his son Isaac – the heir to the covenant of salvation!

And even though God ultimately prevents Isaac from being killed, the divine intervention comes at the last possible moment.

And it leaves us wondering: What was God doing? Why would God put both Abraham and Issac through such trauma??? Was this some ancient near eastern practice we don’t know about? Or – as many of us assume - was it some obedience test for Abraham; a measuring of his commitment? And if it was, ought we fear or even expect that God might test us in a similar fashion? (I think many people of faith live with the suspicion that God is going to demand we surrender that which we love most in this world.) Is that really who God is? Because what kind of God would do such a thing?

Or…, is there more to this story – a meaning that we can only see clearly through the lens of the fullness of scripture? Once we know the whole story, are able to look back and see a deep inner meaning in these events - a meaning that actually gives us great hope and prompts us to love? I think just maybe there is…

Up for getting in touch? You can reach me anytime via the contact link at jesusat2am.com, by sending me email, chatting with me on BlueSky, or finding me on Facebook or Instagram. I’d love to hear from you.

And while you're at it, might you be up for supporting the podcast? You’re tax-deductible gift to Canvas is a major help. As are your prayers, your online reviews, telling a friend or two!

Want to follow along with the biblical texts for this sermon? Here's the link: Genesis 22:1-19 (NRSV).