The Art

Genesis 22:⁶ “So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together”

Isaac, being properly schooled in the art of sacrifice and worship. Or probably just by observation, asking questions, and his father explaining knew the art of sacrifice. So, at some point on the journey in Genesis 22:⁷ “Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” Even though he was just a young boy, he knew that the process was not complete without the sacrificial lamb or the object of sacrifice. And this is so multifaceted. For those of us who are parents, do your children know your God? Can they find their way in the things of the Spirit?

Isaac understood that you don’t come to sacrifice empty handed. I tried to imagine what went on in Abraham’s heart when his son asked that question. Knowing fully well that he was the sacrifice. Abraham did not bat an eyelid; at least it wasn’t recorded in the Scriptures. He must have swallowed saliva and maybe almost choked on it. And without mincing words, he responded in Genesis 22:⁸ “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.” And the boy believed his father. I have seen parents tell their children things, and the children express disbelief in their parents. Why? There is so much to be desired, to learn, and to adapt to.

Abraham said, “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering,” and Isaac believed. They got to the place of sacrifice; Isaac did not ask the question again. Abraham said to Isaac, “Get on the altar,” and Isaac obeyed. Abraham must have tied Isaac like they tie sacrifices, yet Isaac did not challenge his father. What was on Isaac’s mind? My daddy said the Lord will provide Himself a sacrifice. While his legs were being tied, what was on Isaac’s mind was, My father said the Lord will provide Himself a sacrifice. He was probably blindfolded because yet what was going through his young mind was, my daddy said the Lord will provide Himself a sacrifice.

Abraham lifted up his hands to strike the boy, and it was at that time that God stopped him. What was going on in Abraham’s mind? We would be told later on in Hebrews 11:¹⁹ “Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead.”

Prayer: Father, help me to be more deliberate about sharing what walking with God entails with my family and my sphere of influence, in the Name of Jesus. Amen!