This story of Abraham being willing to sacrifice his son is always one that's hard for me to imagine. This particular instance recorded for us is one of the reasons Abraham is known as a great "Hero of Faith". It's the object of his faith that is truly Great.
It can be hard for us today to relate to the whole OT laws and regulations. And the fact that a sacrifice even had to be made regularly is foreign to us today. It shows us, and it showed them, that there are consequences to sin and that there is a price that needs to be paid. But the Lord provided the ram and then he provided Jesus once and for all - sacrificing His Son to make it complete. He continues to provide … Every mountain that every Christian ever faces, the Lord levels with sufficient grace: The Lord Will Provide. (59)
I need that reminder when it seems like things are getting worse. I don't always want to see His provision because maybe I think I know what I need rather than trusting He knows best?
God gives God. That is the gift God always ultimately gives. Because nothing is greater and we have no greater need, God gives God. God gives God, and we only need to slow long enough to unwrap the greatest Gift with our time: time in His Word, time in His presence, time at His feet. (60)
I love how she ends - Advent is the time to see the Tree in your thicket (what a great picture!) and whisper the echoing words of your God: Now I know. Now I know. Since You did not spare Your only Son, how will You not also graciously give - even me - all things You know I need? (Romans 8:32).
Now I know. Now I know, because You have not withheld from me Your Son, Your only Son. Now I know how You love me. (61) If you or I ever doubt His love, remember this!
*I have so appreciated your comments both here and through email! Please continue to share when you feel comfortable so that we may continue to build each other up!
I've had a challenge commenting at times throughout this week. My family and I have been on holiday this week in New York City! Crazy enough in that big city, we had a hard time finding wifi and getting our phones to connect so I could make comments. Anyway, I'm back now:)
Thank you again for joining me here! Love, Rachel
4 comments:
I don't think I had ever thought of God's words to Abraham when Abraham was stopped by "the angel of the Lord" (probably Jesus) from killing his son and his faith was confirmed that he actually would sacrifice his son, his only son in obedience to his God in that way, turning those exact words into MY words for what God has done for me through His Son, Jesus. How appropriate those same words serve as our response every Good Friday when we hear, re-examine and retell the Good Friday story of God sacrificing His Son, His only Son on a wooden cross for the sins of the whole world! Susanne
Yes! There's so much richness found in being able to see these links in Scripture and seeing how it's all related.
I love it! Thank you both for your comments!
Just one other thought to share. When I was answering question 2, I thought, "The gaps? He provides grace for the whole thing!" When I think I'm doing fine without him, I deceive myself - I'm doing fine because he has covered my whole life with grace. Everything remotely good that I experience is more than what I deserve.
Amen and Amen! Yes, no gaps, all grace:)
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