Devotion - Wednesday, February 3

Genesis 22 contains the story of God's asking Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac.  This story stands out as a powerful model of Abraham's obedience to God.  It is the story which provides an anchor for all the powerful words regarding Abraham's faith.

And surely it does all that.  And just as surely - it is read differently by modern readers than it would have been in days it was first retold.

In our days, the murder of a child by parents is looked upon in complete horror.  We, as a society, band together to protect children from the whims or even the so-called-religious convictions of their parents.

I do not want to unilaterally say it was "different" in the days of Abraham, But it was a different place and time and set of cultural norms.

As you read and reflect on the events in Genesis 22, keep this in mind.  Apply your screens as you insist that nothing like this ought to be allowed to happen today.  But hear the example it is of the dedication and devotion of Abraham.  Allow the story's message of God as the "one who provides" to take root in your life and in your heart.  It is an interesting story.  One with so much to teach us.