Abraham’s entire life had been a journey of faith. Trials
were his constant companion on the voyage. This patriarch of faith was counting
on God’s promises to sustain him throughout his pilgrimage. At God’s call,
Abraham left behind his life in Mesopotamia and set out toward an unknown land.
Throughout that expedition, he had nothing but the word of God to anchor his
life. More than once his faith was tested through the refiner’s fire.[1]
The Binding of Isaac is an epic story of the Old Testament
which reminds us that Jesus has become our surrogate, and our replacement; namely
that Christ, by his own sacrificial choice, was punished and penalized in the
place of sinners, thus satisfying the demands of justice so God can justly and
freely forgive sin. This event also teaches the resurrection. Abraham believed
he and his son Isaac would safely return as he speaks to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will
go over there and worship and come again to you.” Abraham completely
believed the Lord would provide; a sacrifice and a new life for himself and
Isaac.
Today is a
solemn day. It is the beginning of the season of Lent where we experience that
great exchange; God’s mercy and forgiveness purchased at the cost of His own
Son; “For God so loved the world that He
gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but
have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
Artwork by Julius Schnoor von Carslsfeld, copyright © WELS permission granted for congregational and personal use
[1] https://concordiatheology.org/2012/02/lent-1-%E2%80%A2-genesis-221-18-%E2%80%A2-february-26-2012/
[3] Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House
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