I admit to enjoying
these Old Testament stories of family conflict and rivalry. They seem
to ring so true to contemporary life and are mirrored in every age.
From the rivalry of Emperors of Rome, to the struggle of European
monarchies, from Popes to Reformers, maybe even in the conflicts of
Republicans and Democrats, there are those underlying structures of
family and power.
Then in our own lives are our personal struggles. None of us are exempt from them. Even St. Paul writes; “I don't do the good things I want to do. I keep on doing the evil things I don't want to do.” (Romans 7:19.) The singer/songwriter Garth Brooks comments, “The greatest conflicts are not between two people, but between one person and himself.”
Then in our own lives are our personal struggles. None of us are exempt from them. Even St. Paul writes; “I don't do the good things I want to do. I keep on doing the evil things I don't want to do.” (Romans 7:19.) The singer/songwriter Garth Brooks comments, “The greatest conflicts are not between two people, but between one person and himself.”
This week we have
the account of events at Mount Moriah, the place where Abraham felt
called to sacrifice his son Isaac as an act of obedience to God. It
is a dreadful act to contemplate. The whole idea of child sacrifice
is simply horrific – though sadly not unknown in ancient religion.
In order to gain insight, we have to take a deep breath, move on,
and remember this was a different culture and a different time.
To me the story
raises the question “Why would anybody sacrifice their most
heartfelt dreams and hopes as an offering to God?” We all have
things that we want for our lives. We all have ambitions and dreams.
But it is an an uncomfortable truth that our personal dreams and
ambitions can take precedence over what God's will might be for our
lives.
Next week the nation
will be celebrating Independence Day. We like to think we are self
made people who shape our own destiny. This story invites us to place
God's will for our lives, over and above our own desires, even if it
means laying our personal aspirations and desires aside on an altar
of dedication to God.
It was through Isaac
that all Abraham's hopes and dreams were destined to come to pass.
God seems to say, “Abraham... let that idea go! Stop thinking that
now you have everything in place you can live independent of my love
and direction.” The story is often spoken of as a “Test of
Faith.” If so, it is a test that Abraham passes with flying colors.
Isaac is not sacrificed. An angel intervenes and Isaac becomes more
cherished than ever.
So a question I challenge myself when reading this passage is, “Are there dreams or aspirations in my own life that are more important to me than seeking God's will?” It may be that we have to sacrifice such hopes and dreams before God, before God can truly use them. At last that seems to be what happened with Abraham!
For
some music a reflection upon the words “Thy Will be Done” by
Hillary Scott. My prayer for today is simple; “Lord,
help me find my way in Your way! Amen.”
Rev Adrian J. Pratt B.D.