June 28, 2020
Genesis 22:1-18
The story in Genesis 22 is one of the most challenging stories of the Old Testament. It often causes questions about Abraham as a father and about God and his directions to Abraham.
In vs. 1 it says that God tested Abraham. A footnote in my Bible notes that God tested Abraham, not tempted. It states that Satan tempts people to turn away from God, but God tests people to determine their faithfulness and obedience. Remember in the story of Job, God tests Job, while Satan tempts him to curse God and die using his wife’s words.
For some the notion that God tests us is unsettling. Maybe if we simply made a list of how we feel about the notion of God testing us and just hold that for a moment, it will help us get some direction. Think about other places and ways we get tested. Teachers give tests to determine how much a student has grasped what has been taught or where they need more instruction. Doctors test our bodies to see if there are diseases or deficiencies, such as needing specific vitamins, etc. Instructors in training camps give physical and mental tests to determine our readiness to serve in specific ways or under specific circumstances. While we might not enjoy or look forward to those kinds of tests, most of us understand the results may be beneficial to us for wholeness, job opportunities, etc.
So what about God’s tests of us. What is the purpose and what might be the outcome? God knew that Abraham had already expelled Ishmael and Isaac was the only son left in his household. God knew that Abraham loved Isaac. He sent him to Mt. Moriah with the instructions to sacrifice Isaac. Some notes: Mt. Moriah is where the Dome of the Rock is located. For Jews the rock is sacred because it was the location where Abraham was instructed to sacrifice Isaac, but God provided otherwise. For Muslim people it is also believed to be the site where Mohammed ascends into heaven. The structure covers over the rock.
Now this passage is where things get sticky for many: Why would God even consider the sacrifice of a human being? That seems abominable for many. For some this seems like God’s agreement with human sacrifice. Before we turn away from this story in disgust or turn away from God, read the entire story and listen carefully for the Spirit’s instruction.
Abraham was already in covenant relationship with God and both Abraham and Isaac were consecrated to God as holy through circumcision. God’s intention was not to take Isaac’s life, but to more perfectly make him the better servant of the covenant. Remember that God has already intended that Isaac, not Ishmael, be the covenant receiver, which was originally made with Abraham and Sarah.
When Abraham continues with all the preparation and the journey to Moriah with Isaac, many would look at him in disbelief that any father could even consider such an act. The drama of this story is at the very last moment when Abraham has already raised the knife to slay Isaac that the angel of the Lord intervenes. In vs. 12 the word of the Lord is: Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.
This story was never intended to be a discussion about human sacrifice, but about obedience to God. It is a challenge to separate those things in our minds, but not to be distracted from intended purpose of the story, we must attempt to do so.
When Abraham hears the bleating of a ram that has been caught in the thicket, he affirms that “God will provide.” In Jehovah Witness circles this phrase, “Jehovah will provide!” is a frequently repeated mantra!
In vs. 15 the angel of the Lord speaks a second time to reaffirm the covenant both with Abraham and with Isaac because of obedience.
Reflect for a moment on those moments in your life either in your family circle, military service, sporting teams, work places etc. that you have been challenged to prove that you were fully committed, which may have resulted in stronger relationship, greater team spirit and confidence or self integrity. Do those life experiences connect with the Abraham story?
Psalm 13
Verses 1-3 give evidence of the psalmist’s struggle with issues or events in his life. Do any of those relate to your own life experiences? In verses 5 & 6 the psalmist affirms trust in God to help. Somewhere there is a gap or bridge between vs. 4 & 5-6. How do you imagine the psalmist coming to that resolution when he has asked how long must this go on? How have your resolved your struggles and the assurance that God hears and helps?
Matthew 10: 40-42
Various translations of vs. 40 and 41 use receive, welcomes and accepts. Pause for a moment with each of these translations and what does it me to you to receive, or welcome or accept another person. What does that mean or how does that happen? What does it look like to receive, welcome or accept another?
Jesus says when we do that to another, we also receive, welcome or accept him. When have you found truth in that statement? How has your life been changed either by being received, welcome or accepted by another or by your doing so of another?
Vs. 42 talks about a most simple and basic act of hospitality – giving a cup of cold water to another because they were a disciple of Jesus Christ as an assurance of not losing their reward. What does the phrase “not losing their reward” mean to you?
What happens when you realize that another person is a disciple of Christ in your relationship with them?
Romans 6:12-23
Start with vs. 23: The wages of sin is death; the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ, our Lord. The wages or the end result of sin, Paul says, is death, which may mean physical death, or destruction or bad endings. The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ.
In vss. 12-18 Paul encourages the Christians to remember that as disciples of Christ they have been set free from the power of sin. Because they have this power and gift in Christ, he cautions them not to fall into patterns that allow sin to have a toe hold or place of power in their lives. How have you found this to be true in your journey? Have you ever, after becoming a disciple of Christ, had to ask God to root out evil or sin in your life? How confident are you that God honors that? Why would God do so?
Paul speaks to people about their past and the reputation they have in vss 19-21. He affirms those things do not have power over them if they accept the power God gives in Jesus Christ, which is stronger that things of the past. What power have you found that past sins, indiscretions, reputations have over you even after confessing and accepting Jesus as Lord?
How has the power of freedom in Christ been manifested over them?
Paul uses the language of “slaves to God” to describe our commitment and relationship to God after becoming a disciple of Christ. In today’s world “slave” is a negative term. With what word would you replace that word? Paul affirms that total commitment to Christ results in holiness and eternal life. How would you tell another about those gifts?
Again vs. 23: What celebration or affirmation can you give to that verse?
Prayer: Holy God, obedience sometimes scares us because it feels risky. We have heard many stories of people being abused by controlling persons. Help us to shed off those fears to view obedience as perfect relationship with you so that we see the fullness of your kingdom. Cast aside the fears that hinder us from following you completely and totally.
Amen.