We’ve been reading together for almost two weeks and today, I would encourage you, if you feel called to try something new – comment on the readings for today or on my reflection of the readings. Just click the comment section on the bottom of the post!
I must tell you, chapter 22 of Genesis is probably my least favorite chapter in the entire Bible. I have such trouble with the story of the “binding” or “sacrifice” of Isaac. I am well aware that this is almost entirely true because I read this story with my 21st century mind and with the soul of a mother.
I cannot understand how Abraham can even think about sacrificing his only son, but more, I cannot imagine that God would require this of Abraham – as some kind of test! Listen as you read this story how Isaac is described – “take you son, you only son” “Isaac, the son whom you love.” And, throughout the text, Isaac is never named as Isaac only, instead we read, “his son, Isaac.” This is the child who has been waited for and hoped for. This is the child that God has promised that nations will come from. This is a child who is well loved.
Here’s another place I struggle with this story: why didn’t Abraham negotiate with God on this? Remember in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham asks God, “will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” Then he begins a bargaining process, “well, what if you find 50 righteous, or 45 and finally they get down to the hard bargaining – what if there are only 10 righteous found…”
How could Abraham not fight for his child? But you see, this is still my 21st century mind at work. So for me, I stand on the last part of the story that God provides – even in the most dark and dismal of circumstances. Even when you can’t understand how you’ve gotten into the place you’ve walked into. In these times, God is present in my pain and sorrow. And for that, I am grateful.
What about you?
In joy,
Suzy
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
Hey, it's easy to comment or write your thoughts here in the comment section. Hope you'll give it a try!
Suzy
Re Genesis 22 :I have access to a study Bible my wife uses,In that Study Bible it references Hebrew 11:17-19 where the author of Hebrew says that Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son in the belief that his son would be returned to him from the dead.If this observation is true,where was the testing of Abraham?
The story is unsettling in many ways. It also raises a question about what we've been taught all our lives; not to test God, not to turn to Him only in times of need for special favors.
Abraham, as I look at it, was abiding by that belief. He did not question what God asked him to do, even if it meant losing his son. So, he is rewarded for that strength of conviction when God intervenes and spares his son in the end.
I'm still troubled, as you are, by the thought of Abraham's willingness to blindly follow God's instructions without reasoning with Him. But what else could he do if he truly is a believer?
Let's bring this story forward to today's world. What are the mothers and fathers of our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan supposed to do? Their sons and daughters have signed up to serve our country, to defend it and represent democracy and, to a degree, Christianity, in a struggle for freedom in that part of the world. Should they have counseled their children not to enlist?
For the more than 4,000 soldiers who have died in the past five years, would their lives have been more meaningful had their parents encouraged them not to join the armed services, not to serve the country? Would God have listened to their reasoning that they did not want to lose their child in an armed conflict defending democracy?
My grandson is only eight years old. I hope by the time he is old enough to consider military service as an option, the wars are over. Selfish, yes, but if the conflicts are still in place, what will I counsel him and my son? Will I be able to tell them to trust in God, that everything will work out?
Don't know. I'm not Abraham, though. I don't believe I will sit on the sidelines and watch my grandson head off to do battle without asking God for some guidance on what to say or do.
Mike C
Hi Robert, Yes, that is what the author of Hebrews writes and in one commentary that I read, it notes thatwhile if this is what Abrham so reasoned, it is of ocurse, not clear to us because the text in Genesis does not give us any indictation of what Abraham was thinking. However, it also goes on to say that traditions in the Jewish faith through the years reflected this line of reasoning. In fact, one of the benedictions of the synagogue service says this, "Blessed are you, O God, who raises the dead."
Perhaps such faith was born of reflection on his and Sarah's capacity to have a child in the first place, that was in effect life from the dead.
Even understanding all of this, I still struggle with this passage. But it is reassuring to know that struggling and questioning are part of our faith tradition, in fact, we will read of a struggle again when we come to the story of Jacob.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. For me, questioning God is not the same the same as testing God. As a read the narrative of Abraham, I am struck by the number of times he and Sarah take the sitution into their own hands and thus put the covenant at risk. Abraham divides land up with Lot, Abraham passes Sarah off as his sister, Abraham takes Hagar as one of his wives and has a child by her. Abraham has not always been a shining example of trust.
Perhaps, as I said in my earlier comment that by virtue of Sarah giving birth he had gotten to the point that he would completely trust the covenant and God's promise - I don't know. I do know that child sacrafice was not uncommon during this time so possibly this was not as big of a stretch for Abraham as it would be today. You see, this is my 21st century mind at work again.
As a reflection to your thoughts on the military, I too, have two sons - both of military age. It would be hard to see them leave to fight. However, it would be their decision, not mine. They would be considered old enough to enter the military with my blessing or without. Also, mine would not be the only ones who had chosen this path, many young men and woment have chosen to enter the military for the love of their country, and we all pray for their well-being and safety.
From reading the text, Isaac was not the one who made the choice, it was Abraham, thus for me, military service and the story of Abraham and Isaac are not the same.
This has been wonderful to think and talk with you about!
Suzy
I've just joined the group. Our Bible study group of women studied the story of Rebekah and Leah in great depth last year. We had a hard time understanding how Jacob could have been fooled on his wedding night by Leah. We also found the jealousy of the women and giving of servants as wives to be quite fascinating. We also though Jacob a bit docile in serving 7 years times 2 - until he started building his own herds and wealth - then his cunning really showed.
I am enjoying reading the Bible again. It is amazing the violance, crime and scandal that is recorded - much like today's popular literature and/or movies! But - what is missing from the literature and the movies is God's redeeming love for us - his people. How reassuring is that? We can mess up - and know that he is still waiting for us to love him and enjoy the life that he has planned for us. Can't wait to see what the next chapter will bring!!
Post a Comment