The relationship between father and son is special, especially the first-born.  There can be closeness, affection, honor, love, admiration, protection and the list could continue to the end of time.  However, the opposite is true in some families.

The story of Abraham and Isaac shows the type of relationship God wants.  That relationship started with the Lord and Abraham.  Genesis 15, God revealed to Abram (as Abraham was first called) a promise:  ⁵“Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can.  That’s how many descendants you will have!”   ⁶And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.”  It was that faith that allowed Abraham to receive a covenant from the Lord God Almighty.

In Genesis 22, Abraham has his faith and righteousness tested.  The Lord asked Abraham to give his son back to Him as a blood sacrifice.  As they left their tents with the wood, fire and knife, Isaac asked his father where was the sacrificial lamb.  Abraham’s reply was “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son”.

For three days they traveled to the place the Lord had told them to go.  I am sure that during those three days, Abraham’s thoughts were confused.  This was his son whom he loved, the hope of the covenant between him and God.  Three days to consider his son as dead.  As the knife was about to fall, his hand was stopped and the sacrificial lamb was provided.  An angel from the God said to Abraham: ¹²“Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” … “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”   ¹⁸“And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.”

Our God does not ask for our sons as sacrifices, instead He gave us His only Son, whom He love and cherished.  God did not stop the “knife in hand” this time.  For three days He considered Him dead and then brought Him back.  Our Jesus became the blessing for all of mankind.

May the Lord bless you and protect you.  May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.  May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. (NUM 6:24-26)

AMEN