Thursday, March 13, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Genesis 22:1–19

After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 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 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. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place far away. 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.” 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. 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?” Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together. When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in order. He bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. 

But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” 

The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, “By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.” So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham lived at Beer-sheba. (NRSV) 

Reflection

Despite familiarity with the story of Abraham and Isaac, reading it still gives me pause. Its purpose: distinguishing Yahweh from pagan gods, breaking with the traditional sacrifice of pagan followers. Few passages are this intense and dramatic. Knowing how it ends, it poses the unfathomable, so it commands my full attention every time I read it. 

The invitation of Lent is a chance to reset and continue on the journey of faith. Lenten prayer, reflection, and devotion help to recenter life in faith. Revisiting stories of Old and New Testament helps deepen insight and understanding. Fasting and almsgiving are part of the Lenten practice of sacrifice — but surely sacrifice bound within reason compared to Abraham thinking (for days!) that he would sacrifice his precious only child. Distinguishing sacrifice from pagan tradition, yes, but today’s passage still challenges me to consider, “What is the limit of what I’d sacrifice to God?”

Stepping beyond my comprehension and comfort zone — that’s the sacrifice I feel my faith requires. How far am I willing to go in sacrificing assurances and advantage (privilege) for a greater relationship to God and God’s creation?

The story of Abraham and Isaac doesn’t let me off the hook. Considering the cost of discipleship, how much can I place trust in God, when I don’t understand or agree, when the cost seems too great? And yet, is there a step further than I’m willing to take, a step I’m willing to take today? 

Prayer
Omniscient, magnificent God, I have so far to go on this journey of becoming. Guide me through your stories. Support me with your strength and grace. Keep me on the path through Lent and beyond. Amen. 

Written by Laura Sterkel, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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