This week we are going to look at one of the most challenging stories in Scripture: “The Sacrifice of Isaac.” We read it and think: What? God you abhor child sacrifice!
But there is gold in this mine.
What I see Abraham doing, and I think you will too, is talking to his soul about what he knows about God. Again and again I see how important it is when life is hard, when God isn’t making sense, when you are faced with losses, to talk to our souls instead of listening to them. Last week was a hard week for me — a child deeply struggling, some really bad financial news, and no easy answers. The scene outside my window matched the turmoil in my heart.
But I did what the Lord has taught me to do — to talk to my soul instead of listening to her. (The soul is feminine in scripture.) I listed things I knew to be true of God, of the sure hope we have in Him, and by the next day, the scene outside my window matched the peace in my heart.
Last week I told of how God gave us a picture of a lamb that would provide comfort when my husband and the father of our five children died. Our daughter Sally painted Aslan, the lion that C. S. Lewis said was “not safe, but good.” Within that painting a lamb who looked as those he has been slain appeared. Two weeks after she completed her painting we learned of Steve’s terminal diagnosis. Fourteen months later, he was with Jesus.
The painting of Aslan has comforted us, and not just us, for prints and posters of this painting now hang in prison cells, hospital rooms, funeral parlors, and in homes across the world. God was not just comforting Sally, but thousands of His children in this world full of trouble.
An innocent lamb is the plot-line of the Bible and is such a comfort in sorrow. We may not know why we suffer, but we know the answer is not that He doesn’t love us, for He is the Lamb of God who chose to die for our sins.
This week we are going to look at a most mysterious story, and the first place the story of the lamb occurs in Scripture.
The God who prohibits child sacrifice now comes to Abraham to test him.
God said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains on which I shall tell you.”
And we think, Really God?
God has already asked Abraham to send away Ishmael, his son with his bondservant, and that tore Abraham’s heart. Now, this?
Not only that, God had promised Abraham that from Isaac would come as many descendant as stars in the sky. How can Abraham obey the command a simultaneously believe the promise?
On a personal note — thank you so for praying for this week in prison. Yesterday we filmed and God certainly showed up. The women are soaking in the love of the Song of Songs. A little air conditioner was brought in, technical problems overcome, and they were sooooooo responsive. Today we’re going into “protective custody” where the women only get out one out of every twenty-four hours. My son is doing great ministering to the women too. Than you so for your prayers, gifts, and love.
Sunday:
1.What stands out to you from the above and why?
2.What in your life doesn’t make sense to you right now?
3.Before you do the study, let’s see how you would answer the last question: How can Abraham obey God and simultaneously believe the promise that from Isaac many descendants would come? Do you think he thought God was going to stop him from killing Isaac?
Monday-Wednesday Bible Study: Genesis 22:1-19
4. Read through the account and share anything that quickens you.
5. What exactly did God ask Abraham to do according to verse 2? Look carefully, for Edmund Clowney sees a clue (though Abraham didn’t see it) that Abraham won’t actually have to kill his son. See if you can see it and if you agree. (Answer before you look below at what Clowney said — exercise self-control! 🙂 )
6. What parallels in verses 2-3 do you see with Jesus?
7. Indeed, this is a most strange account. Here are some comments with which you may or may not agree. Read them, and comment:
A. Edmund Clowney:“God did not ask him to murder his son, but to offer him as a sacrifice. The difference is important.” Comment.
B. Tim Keller says we have to get out of our narrow cultural mindset to fathom this story. In our culture the individual’s happiness is pre-eminent, and families and communities are sacrificed on the altar of individualism. But that has never been God’s way – and in most cultures and for all centuries, the reverse was true, and individuals willingly sacrificed themselves for the good of the family and the community. Comment.
C. Keller sees a parallel between Isaac carrying the wood and Jesus carrying the cross. Do you agree?
8. How does the author of Hebrews explain Abraham’s faith? (Hebrews 11:19)
9. Challenge question: How can you also see it confirmed in the text that Abraham believed God would raise Isaac from the dead?
10. What did Abraham name the place and why?
11. Where do you need to trust right now that God will provide for you?
Thursday-Friday Reflections
During my hard week, God provided for me in several ways. We had the sweetest time in our study of The Song of Songs — His presence was so tangible we were all in tears.
And then I started listening to John Eldredge’s new book on heaven. I love this author and the images he paints of our sure hope of what is to come went a long way in restoring my soul. Here’s a taste of this new book:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qipiCxPPagY
12. Reflect: how has God turned your ashes into beauty.
13. How has God provided for you truth in times of loss or fear?
14. Reflect: What have you lost that you will indeed get back at the renewal of all things?
Saturday:
15. What is your take-a-way and why?
154 comments
1.What stands out to you from the above and why?
It makes me shudder when I put myself into Abrahams shoes and think the things he must have thought when God directed him to sacrifice his son. I don’t think I could have done what he did.
2.What in your life doesn’t make sense to you right now?
Wow, what a full question! Most everything I would say. But, specifically, not being able to have my own life; raising grandkids and not being able to “enjoy” the time with my husband, alone, as others get to when their children grow up and leave the home. So far, no weddings for my children either. I would love to be the “mother of the bride/groom.” Nothing is ever “normal” for me or my family 😔.
Hi Laura
I liked your answer – Most everything I would say
I know I feel that way too sometimes ,I used to think that I had really messed up and was not where I was suppose to be. But God in His goodness has shown me over and over that I am exactly where He wants me to be. So even though it looks different than the script I would’ve written I know He has a good plan. And He changed my heart about so many things in the process. Someday we will see it ! But I know it can be hard so I’ll be praying for you and your children and your grand kids ! I have 3 , 2 granddaughters and one grandson. Such blessings!
Thank you for your encouragement Sue. Someday (maybe) the mystery will be solved 🙏.
3.Before you do the study, let’s see how you would answer the last question: How can Abraham obey God and simultaneously believe the promise that from Isaac many descendants would come? Do you think he thought God was going to stop him from killing Isaac?
I guess it was was a matter of trust? Abraham knew God had provided in the past, so he could believe He would again. I wonder how the directive came to him though? Many times I have thought what I was told to do was what God wanted (or told) me to do, and oh boy! was I wrong…the worst incident recently, was allowing Sarah’s boyfriend into our home. We really thought we could help him, but we were wrong. We thought God wanted us to help him, but nothing but bad has developed from that situation. So, back to Abraham…what if he thought he “heard” that God wanted him to sacrifice Issac, but it wasn’t really God asking him to do that?! I would have been horrified if it were me. Maybe He thought this was what he was supposed to do but he misread God’s command? What if in the end God didn’t show up? I can’t even fathom the end result. Scary stuff. I don’t think he thought God would intervene.
Oh Laura — I love how real you are. I have had those kind of thoughts too, yet I also know God doesn’t trick us. He’s not like that. But He is mysterious and promises that He will make all things beautiful in His time. Praying for you, my sister.
1.What stands out to you from the above and why? Honestly, one thing that I think of is that if Steve had that same cancer now he may have been able to live a bit longer (since there are newer, slightly more targeted treatment options now) and yet it happened when it did, in God’s timing.
2.What in your life doesn’t make sense to you right now? I wonder how God can use me when I don’t feel like I can do a whole lot any more. The treatment I’m on definitely seems to be working, and I’m thrilled with that, but it comes at a high cost in terms of how I feel about half the time. So, mostly the only way I really serve Him is through praying for people.
3.Before you do the study, let’s see how you would answer the last question: How can Abraham obey God and simultaneously believe the promise that from Isaac many descendants would come? Do you think he thought God was going to stop him from killing Isaac? The new testament, in Hebrews 11: 17-19 it says that Abraham offered him up by faith in the God who was able to raise from the dead. “17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; 18 it was he to whom it was said, “In Isaac your [n]descendants shall be called.” 19 [o]He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back [p]as a type. ” – and I promise I have not read beyond today’s questions! 🙂
I’m touched you would think of Steve at a time like this.
You know the Scriptures so you knew the answer! 🙂
I am thankful the chemo is working, sad for the side-effects, and so thankful for your prayers! The prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective. So — would you pray for my son as he works on this prison video — that it will be done well and perhaps even by early January! Thank you, dear Mary!!!!
Oh YES, I will pray for him. My pleasure! Is it JR?
Mary, don’t ever think of it as “only” praying for people. I truly believe that when we get to heaven we will know the real results of our prayers, that they accomplish far more than we think and we’ll know who prayed for us as well.
Yes Mary, your prayers are so valuable. I was reading this morning a little book on prayer by Andrew Murray. The old English can be a little challenging (-: but he gives high importance to intercessory prayer.
Mary E, you have maybe not recognized that you have a huge ministry among all those who know you and know the journey you are going through. By the way you react to things, the kinds of interactions you have with people, and the posts you put here you are encouraging people to turn to God and trust in Him. And prayer is an enormous thing that most people say they will do but then can’t find the time. God is using you right where you are!
Mary, I couldn’t have said it any better than Mary B did in her reply to you!
1.What stands out to you from the above and why?
That Dee had a bad week and I hate that but love how God has stilled the rough waters in her heart. That her stilled waters aren’t circumstantially related but His presence calming her.
The prisons-Dee’s ministry there. Just hearing how He has come lights me up. 🙂
2.What in your life doesn’t make sense to you right now?
Everything. It seems like we have a fury of trials and they are consistent the past 18 years but the past 3 years have been horrible. Had a good day with hubby yesterday but then at around 1 a.m.-fury. 🙁 I was up until 3 or 4 am) I do long for a one good day. 🙂 So the wild waves seem to rush over my heart continuously and then He brings me peace-but this current trial has made me feel so alone-I feel like David in the Psalms really for the first time because it seems like such a dry place. In the future none of this will be an issue and my longing for one good day will be satisfied not with one good day but forever in His presence!! This past month I haven’t fared well but I know He loves me. 🙂 🙂
I’m so very sorry dear Rebecca — but sharing will help us all pray for you.
Oh Lord, please give Rebecca your peace, and give her hope too. May she see some encouragement from you this week. I ask this in your powerful name.
Rebecca. You are not alone. I know you know this. 18 years is a long time and am praying for you to stay strong in the Lord. Hugs, sister.
Weeping with you, Rebecca, for the pain in your heart and life as the wild waves pound! And praying!
“In the future none of this will be an issue and my longing for one good day will be satisfied not with one good day but forever in His presence!!” -YES! And in the mean time Rebecca, no matter how alone you may feel, please know that you are not. Praying right now. I remember one of my first thoughts (which I know was from the Holy Spirit) after I found out the breast cancer had returned (stage 4 now) was looking around at the restaurant where my mom and I had stopped to eat and thinking, “How man other people here (or in the world, in general) got just as bad of news as me today, or worse, and they don’t have Jesus? They are utterly alone.” So many people in this life facing the same things as us and the big difference: HIM. You are a testimony to that, just knowing your story. Clearly the strength to go on which shines forth in your is HIM. Praying He will lift your head today.
Mary , that is so true. I didn’t know who really was when I went through my treatment . All I can say is that I missed out on the full blessing of His presence because I didn’t know that is what He would do! But I do remember , looking back , a sense of peace but not knowing then that he was there. It just shows me His faithfulness even when we don’t know the true Gospel. Praying that the chemo side effects are few today .
Thank you, Sue-seeker. I’m so glad you were seeking and you found Him!
Sweet Rebecca–my throat tightened reading this and I feel so burdened for you, praying dear sister. Please know you can call me in those wee hours and I would love to be an ear & pray with you
You are on my list sweet sister. Praying for peace through the trials.
You all are such sweet sisters. I am so blessed. You have blessed me so this morning. 🙂
What stood out to you and why?
the pictures of the lake/bay. From the scary tempest to the calm waters. There is always an end to a storm. In my life, I need to see storms/trials as a given-it is how I should respond that matters. And God has a radical advice: consider it pure joy when you encounter trials…huh? Do not be surprised huh? Really, God?
1.What stands out to you from the above and why?
-that the peace in your heart came before the peace outside. I shivered when I saw the first photo.
-that the soul is feminine in Scripture. Want to know more!!
-funeral parlors! Why are they called that? I guess I can figure it out…
-your week in prison and that the women in protective custody. How difficult. Continuing to pray.
2.What in your life doesn’t make sense to you right now?
myself and other people. Those are specific enough for “in public!”
Renee, just so you know I like your very real responses and exclamatory phrases. I can relate to your answer to ” what doesn’t make sense to you?” And you answered me and other people. I totally get that.
Just as a woman is made to respond to a man, the feminine soul, in both men and women, is made to respond to God. Don’t you love that? That is why is we abide in Him, and meditate on His Word, we will fall more deeply in love!
I love this. That my soul is made to respond to Him. Sometimes I am sad that I did not know this sooner in life but I know God had a reason for the timing. My life is so changed now that I see He is the One that takes care of me , that He is in gentle control of my life. That in His love there really is no fear , He loves me and has made a way for me. Such good news the Whole Gospel is .
I received ” He Calls You Beautiful ” last week , I’ve not had a chance to sit and read yet. Hopefully by this weekend.
Good to “see” you, Renee. And I love your real, authentic responses also! 🙂
3.Before you do the study, let’s see how you would answer the last question: How can Abraham obey God and simultaneously believe the promise that from Isaac many descendants would come?
I think that he is trusting that God is good and choosing to obey without knowing exactly how God will bring about the promise.
Do you think he thought God was going to stop him from killing Isaac?
No, I don’t think so. I think he entrusted Isaac to God. If he would have known that God was going to stop him, he only would have been going through the motions — not really relying on God.
Oh, I am so glad that things are going well in the prisons, Dee. Continuing to pray.
1.What stands out to you from the above and why?
That even when you are struggling with a hard week on top of planning a trip and ministering at a prison you find time to not only post this study, but make comments. You are quite an inspiration.
2.What in your life doesn’t make sense to you right now?
Why I am so spiritually stagnant right now.
3.Before you do the study, let’s see how you would answer the last question: How can Abraham obey God and simultaneously believe the promise that from Isaac many descendants would come? Do you think he thought God was going to stop him from killing Isaac?
I always thought that he must have heard God audibly since we are constantly questioning ourselves if something is “from God” as soon as the events start to go in a bad (or what seems a bad) direction. Something had to make him know that it WAS God and was going to be o.k. in the end. Maybe he thought that God would raise Isaac from the dead.
Thank you, Dawn. I think too Abraham heard audibly. Makes sense to us at least!
1.What stands out to you from the above and why?
“Again and again I see how important it is when life is hard, when God isn’t making any sense, when you are faced with losses, to talk to our souls instead of listening to them.”
I could really identify with that comment. Slowly over time in my life I have come to see how my mind will race down paths of thought that are just not beneficial. I am trying more and more to back myself up and bring the Word of God into my self talk. Using scripture to remind me of important truths to stay grounded. But it is a daily process.
I have a print of Sally’s painting hanging in my family room. I have looked at it often this past week in response to our lesson. The combined picture of the imposing Aslan and the slain lamb is such a poignant reminder of God’s precious sacrifice of his only son.
2.What in your life doesn’t make sense to you right now?
I honestly at the moment am in a place where I don’t have any personal situation which doesn’t make sense. But I am aware that can change very quickly and don’t take for granted it will stay that way or should always be so.
3.Before you do the study, let’s see how you would answer the last question: How can Abraham obey God and simultaneously believe the promise that from Isaac many descendants would come? Do you think he thought God was going to stop him from killing Isaac?
Abraham’s faith in God’s sovereignty was clearly strong so that he was trusting God to provide even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead. He told the two young servants to wait while he and the boy (Isaac) went to worship and that they would come back to him. He had to believe God was going to act somehow on their behalf.
No I don’t think that he thought God would stop him because he didn’t waver to follow God’s instructions and prepare for sacrificing Isaac. He was in the act of carrying out God’s command to slit Isaac’s throat as he would have a lamb when God stopped him.
Bev — like to think of you having Aslan!
Isn’t it something to realize he didn’t think God would stop him!
1. What stood out? Praising God for His faithfulness to you in the jail! And praying that He will ‘restore the years the locusts have eaten’ in the difficult things in your week. Lord, we thank you for Dee’s willingness to keep on in You during a difficult week. Please refresh her spirit and make it up to her….
2. What doesn’t make sense right now? Why God doesn’t grant me deliverance from these food cravings I’ve begged Him to.
3. How can Abraham obey God and also believe that thru Isaac his descendants will come? Heb 11:19 says “Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.”
I think Abraham would have gone through with it. In vs 12 it says ‘you have not withheld from Me your son’. God knew Abraham’s heart at that moment, and without God’s stopping him, he was going to do it.
1.What stands out to you from the above and why?
Honestly, I just hate hearing of your hard week! Praying for those situations. So thankful for how He is working in the prisons and continuing to pray for His protection over you, and for His glory to shine, that His truth would penetrate hearts and bring them healing, let them bask in His love for them.
2.What in your life doesn’t make sense to you right now?
Too hard to answer that one—there are a few different big hard ones especially. And then there’s the every day little ones—today was one of those days that felt (emotionally) like I kept stubbing my pinky toe ALL day long. As I put a rotisserie chicken in my grocery cart, the top fell off and chicken juice spilled all over me. I came home and opened the washing machine to find a diaper had somehow gone through the cycle with the clothes—yes, for real. I’ll spare the details! And honestly, my response hasn’t been the greatest today, but it revealed the mindset I tend to carry—that things “should” be easier. My week ahead is extra full & long and I feel weary. But I have learned from Dee to speak truth to my soul, and it’s becoming more of a good habit. I look back and see where He has over and over again rescued me. He will not choose to fail me now. I remind my doubtful self that He holds the power to change hearts, to mend family wounds, to not only restore but make something new. And I remind my very impatient self that His timing is not mine, but wiser, more generous, more grace-filled. And the part of me that right now is fearing emotional attack from a few, I recall His protection, His eyes are actually ON ME. He cares for every detail, and He is working all things for good. Somehow. The speaking truth thing though is a continual thing—like the rhythm of wheels on a bike ride, uphill. I must continually push the truth into my mind harder and faster, while releasing the doubts and fears that threaten to take over.
3.Before you do the study, let’s see how you would answer the last question: How can Abraham obey God and simultaneously believe the promise that from Isaac many descendants would come? Do you think he thought God was going to stop him from killing Isaac?
I think he had to stop his brain from trying to figure out God. I’m a problem solver (love math) and a hyper-planner, so I struggle with an intense desire to “make sense of things”. When I can find a cause/effect relationship I usually find some peace. But there are times, maybe most of the time with God, we just cannot go that route. It’s like I have to turn off my brain from continuing to analyze and seek for answers. There is this point where you have to say—I really do not see how this can work out or be OK, but all I can do is trust the One in charge. I think Abraham’s relationship with God, his knowledge of his character, was strong enough to outweigh his own thoughts. The truth of God silenced his own doubts in his soul.
Lizzy, my heart goes out to you. Fear is a monster. Keep letting God speak peace to your soul. Praying for your week ahead.
Oh those little trials — sound rather big, actually, for one day. Those little foxes — not going to let them ruin our vineyard. Love your posts, Lizzy — but sorry for those foxes.
I have an intense ministry day tomorrow and fear is a monster trying to derail my courage. I’m stepping out of the “normal” and trying to be creative, as per Dee’s suggestion and God’s prompting. But boy am I nervous! Here is the verse God has given me this week to speak truth to my soul. “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) I would appreciate all your prayers.
oh Diane–have to pray here! Lord, we bring Diane before You and ask that You would calm the storm within her. Give her peace that can only come from You. Be her strength and shield, Lord. Let her rest in the promise of Your presence and Your power and Your deep love for her. Be glorified through her words and ministry. And please grant her peaceful sleep tonight! In Your Name~
Thank you, Lizzy. Knowing you and others here are praying is such a comfort and support to me, like holding up my shaking tired arms as they did for Moses in the OT during a time of battle. And be assured of my prayers for you in your battle, too.
praying, Diane!
Praying for you Diane!
Father, please fall on Diane and may she be amazed!
Yesterday in prison was amazing. A sweet thing is how amazed my son J. R. was at the presence of God for it was his first time to come with me. Thank you so for praying and please continue. Doing a fund raiser for the prison ministry tomorrow in Austin — home Wednesday night.
So love this update! 🙂 🙂
😀 Continued prayers, Dee!
I am so grateful!!
4. Gen….what quickens? I love it when Abraham says “God himself will provide the lamb for the offering…” That has so many layers! Abraham is speaking a fact. God had supplied Isaac, and for all Abraham knew God could supply another Isaac. God supplied the ram, right there within view. And of course, God supplying The Lamb, who did die for us. Jesus knew from the beginning, before His nativity, that He would be sacrificed. He would be loaded with our sins and die separated from God the Father. But He was resurrected and returned to life, just as Abraham had reasoned could happen with Isaac. I can’t really wrap my mind around it all, but I am eternally grateful for it.
5. Vs 2 God said to take Isaac to near Mt Moriah and sacrifice him there as a burnt offering.
Look for a clue that Abraham won’t have to go through with it. In that verse I couldn’t find one.
6. vs 2-3 parellels: Jesus is God’s only Son, whom God loves. He was sacrificed on Mt Moriah.
3.Before you do the study, let’s see how you would answer the last question: How can Abraham obey God and simultaneously believe the promise that from Isaac many descendants would come? Do you think he thought God was going to stop him from killing Isaac?
I am thinking he thought God was going to stop him or raise him to life because God keeps his promises. I think he believed God will provide either way yet that didn’t make it easy by no means! He still had to trust God’s promises. If it were me, even if I knew my son would survive, I would have a hard time killing him. I mean, stabbing your child-oh my! Also sacrificing your only seed that was to fulfill God’s promise that he would be a great nation-hard to trust. Abraham’s maturity is clearly shown at this point and I can’t help but think of how he and sara didn’t trust when he promised them a child-they laughed, but now here he is putting that promised child on the altar to sacrifice. God really grew him.
There is so much here I haven’t thought of before though..other layers are coming to mind.
…and I can’t help but notice how even though Abraham laughed-mocked God, He didn’t forsake him, He loved him and was long suffering, patiently transforming him into a man of mature faith. This SO helps me this morning.
Yay.
This morning it is with such a heavy heart I consider the great suffering of the little church in Texas with the great loss of lives so precious to them. We have been talking here on the blog about what doesn’t make sense in our lives. This is one of the most senseless things to happen again in our country. Only Jesus can help these people walk through such a horrendous thing. I was reminded by a friend this didn’t happen to “them” but it happened to “us”. We are all part of the body of Christ and it hurts deeply today.
Such a sorrow , Bev. Hard to even comprehend
4. Read through the account and share anything that quickens you.
5. What exactly did God ask Abraham to do according to verse 2? Look carefully, for Edmund Clowney sees a clue (though Abraham didn’t see it) that Abraham won’t actually have to kill his son. See if you can see it and if you agree. (Answer before you look below at what Clowney said — exercise self-control! 🙂 )
I have to be honest I don’t see it.
6. What parallels in verses 2-3 do you see with Jesus?
I have heard the teaching on this passage through out my years of being in good bible teaching churches. A few months ago my son taught on this passage so it is familiar to me. It is always so good to revisit because it is such an important part of scripture to be examined. We see here it is a wonderful type of Christ showing the only Son was willing to give his life to please his Father. Isaac like Christ was the only son loved by his father. Interestingly Mt. Moriah is the place where the Jewish Temple was eventually built and was the place where eventually Jesus the Christ (the Lamb of God) appeared and was taken to be sacrificed.
7. Indeed, this is a most strange account. Here are some comments with which you may or may not agree. Read them, and comment:
I’m not sure if semantics comes into play here with the words but I agree God wasn’t asking Abraham to “murder” Isaac. But the words burnt offering meaning sacrifice as used by God in talking with Abraham in this instance would have equated with death so I don’t necessarily see a clue that God meant Isaac wouldn’t have to die. Unless he means by the word offer there was choice involved? The act of offering was important. I believe God was dealing with Abraham’s heart from what the angel of the Lord said to him. But for an offering to be acceptable there had to he shedding of blood and Abraham was willing to shed Isaac’s blood to God. I personally think we as a culture don’t get some of the nuances of this whole situation. A system of sacrificial offerings is completely foreign to our thinking and because we don’t study the old testament well in many churches today we really don’t understand what was going on here. We have gotten the idea this was a small boy going to be stabbed to death by his father without reason and without sense. I don’t like the picture of Abraham raising the knife high above Isaac. As hard as it is to think about I think he would have carefully and quickly cut Isaac’s throat shedding his blood and trusting God to raise him from the dead. They lived in a culture that was completely pagan and human sacrifice was practiced to appease their gods. The difference here was that Abraham knew the One True God had asked him to give Him his one and only son, a son of promise. He was being tested by fire so to speak to prove Isaac was not his first love (an idol) before God his Sovereign Lord.
Tim Keller’s point is well taken that today’s culture sacrifices those who really matter on “the alter of individualism “. When God is preeminent in their lives individuals put others first.
I think the parallel is very clear and agree with Keller. I also think it is interesting to realize that the Holy Trinity was present at this event which included Jesus the Son of God who was the Lamb of God and became the perfect sacrifice for our sin. Usually in the old testament the angel of the Lord refers to Jesus and it was the angel of the Lord who spoke to Abraham twice at Moriah. So to me there is a clear foreshadowing of the Cross to come.
Bev, wow, such a good post with so many thought-provoking points. You have me thinking of a lot of different things re this disturbing story. Re your last paragraph–I’ve heard many sermons based on the parallel point. “…to me there is a clear foreshadowing of the Cross to come.” yes.
4. Read through the account and share anything that quickens you.
Abraham didn’t question God at all.
5. What exactly did God ask Abraham to do according to verse 2? Look carefully, for Edmund Clowney sees a clue (though Abraham didn’t see it) that Abraham won’t actually have to kill his son. See if you can see it and if you agree. (Answer before you look below at what Clowney said — exercise self-control! 🙂 )
He was to take the boy to one of the mountains and God would (presumably) meet him there to tell him exactly where to go.
4. Read through the account and share anything that quickens you. I’m just amazed at the matter-of-factness with which both Abraham and Isaac seem to respond to all of this! I mean, we don’t read anything about Abraham questioning God, like “Is this really YOU asking me to do this, Lord? If so I need a sign or something!!!” We don’t read that he was weeping or that Issac was crying and asking why? That’s so odd to me. I’m also struck, though, that when Abraham tells the others with him to wait at the bottom of the mountain while he and his son go up to worship, he says, “…and WE will return to you.” (emphasis mine.)
Mary, good reminder, “and we will return to you.” That is faith.
I also agree with you in regard to the fact that we aren’t given any details re Abraham & Issac’s thinking, processing, emotions, etc. Don’t you find that perplexing, with the intensity of this story? There are many other stories in the Bible where those kinds of details are given to us.
I’ve read through all the comments, re-read the story in the Bible, & I just can’t get past the fact that I personally believe Abraham did wrestle within himself…as a father with great love for his son, with the act itself, with God asking such a thing. He had a mighty, strong faith in God, but he was also fully human–how could he not have doubts & fears? Ultimately, b/c of his great faith, he obeyed God.
You saw it, Mary!
Do you think that Abraham was so use to hearing God that there was no doubt ? He just knew that God was trustworthy.
Abraham had already seen Sarah’s womb brought back to life by the birth of Issac. He may have believed that God would bring Issac back to life. He must have had Great faith and trust in what God said that He would do even though he didn’t know all the details of how. Unlike me who would like to see the plan 🙂
What stands out from above? The amazing contrast of the bay waters…the dark, vicious, stormy scene vs. the quiet, calm, peaceful-colored scene the following day. Also causes me to think of the contrast of last week’s haunting picture of the bound little lamb vs. the picture this week, a happy, sweet little lamb, laying in the beautiful green grass.
I was reading the story in Genesis from my study bible. It begins with commenting on verse 1 … ” now it came to pass after these things referring back to the previous chapter. It says a new story is about to begin. The term God includes the definite article ” the God ” This is a way of indicating that the ” Genuine Deity ” or the True God is making these demands , not a false god or demon. This is the 7th time that God revealed Himself to Abraham since Abraham came to the land of Canaan. God tested Abraham in order to give Abraham an opportunity to show his true character. ”
I like that it refers back to what has already happened, how the events of the previous chapters weigh in on Abraham and Issac’s story
What I see from this is because it is the 7 th time that God has revealed himself to Abraham that they have a track record that can be trusted. God has repeatedly shown Himself true to Abraham so Abraham believes God.
I remember always believing in God but not believing God. But now because of the past 6 years of Him showing Himself to be faithful I do believe Him. Not because things are perfect.!!
My fear that the enemy tries to use is that we have no retirement savings anymore , all gone in the great Recession a few years back. My husband is a construction contractor and housing was hit so hard. But now I know that God has promised to provide. It may not be how I thought retirement would look but Jesus takes care of His children. So I’m at Peace but that doesn’t mean the enemy isn’t going to give it a go !! I just remind him who my God is 🙂
Dee , so thankful to hear of answered prayers!! God is so good.
Thanks Sue!
And yes, this lesson is good “The Lord will provide.”
What in your life doesn’t make sense to you right now?
My health struggles amidst a calling that seems to be hindered by them
3.Before you do the study, let’s see how you would answer the last question: How can Abraham obey God and simultaneously believe the promise that from Isaac many descendants would come? Do you think he thought God was going to stop him from killing Isaac?
I don’t know how I would have responded if I were Abraham. But I do have the Scriptures in Hebrews to give me insight of what may have transpired. Hebrews11 we know is called the faith chapter. From verses 8-12 the phrase “by faith” was mentioned 3x of Abraham and on vs 17, Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice, again, by faith. And the greatest of all is found in vs. 19, Abraham reasoned that God can raise Isaac from the dead. And I don’t think that Abraham thought God was going to stop him from killing Isaac. Back up to vs. 11-she and I presupposed, Abraham considered Him who promised is faithful.
4. Read through the account and share anything that quickens you.
That it took them 3 days to get to the place where the sacrifice would happen. Why is that? Why not nearby? Was it a foretelling of the death of someone else in the future (in Jerusalem)? The three days is interesting in that Jesus rose from the grave after three days. I am not into figuring out the significance of numbers in the Bible. This was just a thought that came to my mind.
5. What exactly did God ask Abraham to do according to verse 2? Look carefully, for Edmund Clowney sees a clue (though Abraham didn’t see it) that Abraham won’t actually have to kill his son. See if you can see it and if you agree. (Answer before you look below at what Clowney said — exercise self-control! 🙂 )
God said to Abraham to take Isaac and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on a mountain (not on an altar)? Also I always look to verse 5 where Abraham said, “ then we will come back to you” implying that Isaac will come back with him.
6. What parallels in verses 2-3 do you see with Jesus?
Jesus is God’s only Son whom He loves; Isaac was to Abraham
Jesus went to Jerusalem to die on the cross: Isaac went to Mt. Moriah which is also Jerusalem
Jesus carried the cross by which He was crucified; Isaac carried the wood which he would have lain on to be the sacrifice
Jesus is the Lamb; Isaac was the lamb
Impressed at how carefully you are looking at context, words — good meditating!
6. What parallels in verses 2-3 do you see with Jesus?
only son
land far away
an offering through sacrifice
on a mountain
rode a donkey
cut wood that was carried by Isaac
6. What parallels in verses 2-3 do you see with Jesus?
“Take your son, your only son whom you love.”
“He was to sacrifice him as a burnt offering”
“They traveled via a Donkey”
7. Indeed, this is a most strange account. Here are some comments with which you may or may not agree. Read them, and comment:
A. Edmund Clowney:“God did not ask him to murder his son, but to offer him as a sacrifice. The difference is important.” Comment.
I agree. There is a huge difference, even though it would be hard to put the knife in. A sacrifice is for the good of someone else (Jesus died for us. He sacrificed himself to redeem us to Himself.) whereas murder is a self centered-heinous act such as when Cain killed Abel. 🙂
5. What exactly did God ask Abraham to do according to verse 2? Look carefully, for Edmund Clowney sees a clue (though Abraham didn’t see it) that Abraham won’t actually have to kill his son. See if you can see it and if you agree. (Answer before you look below at what Clowney said — exercise self-control! 🙂 ) I actually answered this yesterday, but it never posted. The only clue I see in verse 2 is that the Lord told him to OFFER Isaac up. When we offer something up to God, he doesn’t necessarily always take that thing, person, experience away from us, He may turn around and hand it right back.
1. The pictures of the storm and of the calm are what really spoke to my heart this morning. I see such beauty in both photographs. They are both stunning in their own way. Which made me contemplate the beauty that can be found within the storms of Our Lives. In an odd way the storm picture is even more beautiful than the 1 of the calm. Learning to find the beauty in our hardest moments is one of God’s greatest gifts to us.
4. what quickens me
“Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey….” He didn’t wait around arguing with God or trying to figure out if God REALLY had spoken to him. Abraham obeyed and took the next step. He didn’t “need” to have the whole plan.
8. How does the author of Hebrews explain Abraham’s faith? (Hebrews 11:19)
“He considered that God”. Other translations say he reasoned. His faith (belief) was settled in the promises God had given him /Heb 11:17 His focus was on God’s promise that it would be through Isaac his offspring would be born / Heb 11:18. And Bing pointed out verse 11 which included Sarah joining Abraham in faith saying “she considered Him faithful Who had promised.” So like Abraham she considered or reasoned in her mind the promise of God.
9. Challenge question: How can you also see it confirmed in the text that Abraham believed God would raise Isaac from the dead?
I would say Abraham’s faith was based in the faithfulness of God to keep his promise that it was through Isaac his offspring would be born.
10. What did Abraham name the place and why?
The Hebrew name was Jehovah/ Jireh which meant the Lord will see to it… He will provide. Back in verse 8 of Gen 22 as they were going up the mountain to the place God had told him Abraham said “God will provide” and we see that He did.
11. Where do you need to trust right now that God will provide for you?
I am not at a place of having a specific need personally that I would be asking God to provide for. My needs are more general as in health needs related to aging and trusting God for future financial needs because nothing is sure in this World. But I don’t live in fear of the future. God clarified in my heart a few years ago that I only have to live today because He promises to always provide. Yes it can be a real struggle to do so but if I stay in the Word and in fellowship with Him I find hope and have peace in my heart as I trust Him. I am old enough now to have seen the faithfulness of God demonstrated in the lives of godly grandmothers, a godly mother and to my husband and me.
One of my favorite verses is: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13 ESV
and trusting God for future financial needs because nothing is sure in this World. But I don’t live in fear of the future. God clarified in my heart a few years ago that I only have to live today because He promises to always provide.
Oh , this Bev ! yes , this is where the enemy and I do battle. I grew up not knowing a father that was not a good provider so to transition this mindset to our Father who Always provides was a process. But He has shown Himself Faithful over and over. Like appearing to Abraham 7 times , He keeps showing up in our finances. 🙂 He has proven Himself faithful , why would I foolishly stop trusting Him now is something I remind myself of often.
Sue, I’m humbled and grateful if this served to encourage you.
5. What exactly did God ask Abraham to do according to verse 2? take his son Isaac, go to region of Moriah, sacrifice him there as a burnt offering
clue that Abraham won’t have to kill Isaac: well, God never said to kill him first. NIV says sacrifice him “as a” burnt offering. The last four words of the verse are “I will show you.” Also, the phrase “whom you love” was used in reference to Isaac. God loved Abraham more than Abraham loved Isaac. All of this shows that God was (is) absolutely trustworthy; Abraham didn’t know what was to come.
4. Read through the account and share anything that quickens you.
I imagined the moment when Abraham began to bind Isaac, It is awful to contemplate.
5. What exactly did God ask Abraham to do according to verse 2? Look carefully, for Edmund Clowney sees a clue (though Abraham didn’t see it) that Abraham won’t actually have to kill his son. See if you can see it and if you agree. (Answer before you look below at what Clowney said — exercise self-control! 🙂 )
I don’t think I see it, the only thing I notice is that Gods says he will tell him which mountain, indicating that God isn’t finished giving instruction in this matter yet.
This passage is hard to think about.
6. What parallels in verses 2-3 do you see with Jesus?
Jesus was an only son, a beloved son, sent to another land sacrificed on a hill.
7. Indeed, this is a most strange account. Here are some comments with which you may or may not agree. Read them, and comment:
A. Edmund Clowney:“God did not ask him to murder his son, but to offer him as a sacrifice. The difference is important.” Comment.
Abraham was tested, did he love God more or his gifts, would he love and trust God enough to obey. I don’t think I would do well in such a test.
Something else that quickens me: “We will worship and then we will come back to you.” Worship!!
7. Indeed, this is a most strange account. Here are some comments with which you may or may not agree. Read them, and comment:
A. Edmund Clowney:“God did not ask him to murder his son, but to offer him as a sacrifice. The difference is important.” Comment.
That’s what I noticed when I was scrounging for clues… but I totally was guessing. The verses weren’t that long & that’s what fit best 🙂 I’m not so sure that Clowney’s use of the word murder gets the point across to me. But yes, I did see the difference between killing him and offering him as a sacrifice. To me, the phrase “as a” is important. Otherwise, the word “burnt” implies some serious harm — would be more comfortable to be killed before the burning than during.
B. Tim Keller says we have to get out of our narrow cultural mindset to fathom this story. In our culture the individual’s happiness is pre-eminent, and families and communities are sacrificed on the altar of individualism.
Yes!! I’ve been wrestling with this — a lot. I agree with him, yet often feel pressured, even by Christians, to have an individualist happiness & fulfillment perspective.
****??? Is there a particular book or series of sermons where he unpacks this?
C. Keller sees a parallel between Isaac carrying the wood and Jesus carrying the cross. Do you agree? I saw that, too, but am wondering how many parallels I am supposed to see and what “only” is descriptive? Is there a point at which I am using my Christian perspective to read too much into the text?
Still thinking about the feminine soul. Thanks for your response my question, Dee! So cool 🙂
I do think Keller has a sermon or series on this. I will look through my mp3’s and get beck to you.
Yes — will have to hunt it down — but will, Renee!
Watching my friend deal with her only child having cancer at 24 years old is what does not make sense right now. He is strong and amazing and I had the privilege of helping to raise him since he was 6 years old. He was the best man in my son’s wedding. And I can handle watching him go through this but I’m really struggling watching her watching him go through this.
:'(
What quickens me?
I’ve learned that when Jesus is teaching me that He tends to reinforce the lesson. Last week was too busy for this mere woman. When I would pray I heard the LORD’S still voice to stop looking at the circumstances and to look to Him..Every time I prayed – stop looking at the circumstances and look to Me.”
As I’m reading about Abraham I see this! Abraham is moving forward with the task that GOD has given him. He’s obeying and looking to GOD in the midst of the circumstances where God has placed him. Such faith!
The other thing I know with my whole heart is that God doesn’t tell us what to do and then stop talking to us. He is our Encourager , He does not set me up to fail. So I believe that even though we don’t see it in the scripture we can know that God walked with Abraham and Issac for those 3 days and up that mountain , that He was still in Abraham’s midst . Just like He is always in our midst , Zephaniah 3:17 .
Zephaniah 3:17 is my verse from the LORD and I say it alot 🙂
Sue-seeker. Your post just melted my heart!!!
Zeph 3:17:
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Rebecca , thank you for posting the verse ! When I say it I always add the word Loud , it’s loud singing that He sings over us . Such love .
Sue–I agree with Rebecca. This post so encouraged me this morning! So thankful He has brought you here with us.
Oh , I am grateful that it did . I am blessed to be here !
Sue-seeker, I sense Him in your posts and every time I read them, just like going over what you posted here again, it applies to an area I am not trusting him in-the red flag is this tenseness inside.. Sometimes He whispers and in my stubborn-ness I hear but don’t want to soften to Him in this area-which really I hate, hence my longing to be like a child again. He is helping me telling me to love this person who is very close to me-Loving as he is and even though-like Jesus loves me…for he talks loud railroading over those he converses with lectures rather than listening. Meaningful back and forth conversation usually doesn’t happen. Yet, ” He isn’t condemning me, just saying Let’s try again.” I will remember that-thank you for saying it!
Wow, Sue, this whole post is so rich in speaking truth to your soul….so good.
Mary , He is so kind to remind us that He is trustworthy . Praying for you !
7.A. I don’t agree. I think when it says to offer as a sacrifice, a burnt offering, means the death of what is being offered. I looked at six different versions and every one said ‘sacrifice him as a burnt offering’. I do agree, however, that murder is much different than sacrifice. To murder is to take that which is not yours to take; to take a life out of anger or selfishness or greed. That is why God ordained capital punishment the way He did. It was to be after a fair trial, and at the hands of all the people together. I think He designed it to be so hard for the people as to be something they did only because they had to. Sadly, our sinful nature turned it into mob rule, as you see when they tried to stone Jesus and when they did stone Steven.
B. I am a product of my culture, and my flesh continually cries out ‘me first’. But Keller is right. That is not Biblical, nor universal. Even the Native American culture is all about the group, the tribe, the family.
C. Yes. Both Isaac and Jesus carried the wood they were to be sacrificed on. No wonder later in Genesis it says “the God of Abraham and the fear of Isaac”.
8. I had answered this back in three, without knowing this question was coming!
I agree that I surely would have thought it meant death — Clowney points out “offer” — you can offer something and not have it accepted. But….!
Finally I am getting back to the blog! Can’t believe how many responses already!!!
Dee I’m so thrilled to hear how God has been moving in the prison ministry & how it all came together. What stood out to me most from Sunday was the pictures outside your window, Dee. What a furious storm & what a tranquil transformation the next day. So sorry to hear that you had such turmoil, but loved that u spoke to your soul (feminine!) & reviewed all the Truths u knew about God, your anchor. Only Jesus can calm the raging seas in us. I will write more later.
Love to u all who are struggling. By the Lord’s grace I seem to be in a peaceful season & am not taking it for granted!! 🙂
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Talking to our souls instead of listening to them, reminding ourselves of who God is – His character, His promises, that the TRUTH is that when things go wrong, when we suffer loss or pain, it does NOT mean that He doesn’t love us. I also like the two pictures of the lake that show such a contrast between turmoil and peace. This stands out to me because for many, many months, every morning I would wake up and feel a sense of loss, a feeling of depression, fear of the future, a sense of purposelessness. This is in such contrast to how I used to wake up, when my children all were here – I woke up with anticipation for the day and a sense of purpose. Being mom was my identity and gave me meaning in life. The empty-nest thing has been hard for me, and with my last child now a junior in HS, I know it’s not too far-off that she’ll be leaving for college. Every morning when I awoke, the tapes in my head started playing. As I have been seeking Him, paying attention to those tapes and what they’re saying and replacing lies with truth, mornings have been better and I’m not waking up with that old sense of dread.
2. What in your life doesn’t make sense to you right now?
Just that there is so much loss in life….I feel loss in that I am losing the mom I used to have as her Alzheimer’s progresses….I find myself remembering and thinking about her bustling about in her kitchen – cooking, baking; the holidays we spent at mom’s, the sense that my mom, all 5 feet of her, could do anything! Yet the Alzheimer’s hasn’t stolen her “mom-ness” – she still will say things like, “Now you call me if you need help with your housework – I’m a good scrubber and I can help you!” I feel loss in my two sons having to be so far away because of their chosen fields and it’s hard to feel close to them. My idea would’ve been for them to live closer so we could see each other with some frequency and I could babysit my grandchildren some day! I still feel loss in the breakup of my one son and his longtime girlfriend – they had talked of getting married after they both finished college and I loved her and thought she would make a wonderful daughter-in-law, but it was not to be. My oldest son is married but with him living in FL, and being in the Navy, he and his wife won’t ever live close by. It is hard to get to know her without being able to spend much time with her.
3. Before you do the study, let’s see how you would answer the last question: how can Abraham obey God and simultaneously believe the promise that from Isaac many descendants would come? Do you think he thought God was going to stop him from killing Isaac?
I feel sort of guilty with this one, like I peeked at the answer in the back of the book! I’ve wondered before and thought that I wish we could’ve been let in on Abraham’s thoughts or conversations with himself after the Lord asked him to do this, but the Bible doesn’t give us that information. But, I know that in the New Testament, Paul writes that Abraham had such faith in God that he thought that even if he killed Isaac, God would raise him from the dead. That’s pretty staggering as I don’t think that in Abraham’s time he ever saw God do that – raise a dead person back to life. Now I’m seeing a foreshadowing of the gospel, too – because the “second Isaac” really was sacrificed and raised from the dead.
I was just talking to Paul about how I feel this same way, even though there are two kids still at home. they are both quiet and come from trama so parenting them is just different. my older girls never stop talking about friends and clothes and God and serving and just all the things that they love when we are together. they are my best friends. I love being wiht them. I love the younger two just as much, but our relationships are much different. I only see the older two a few hours a week. I miss them. praying for us both as we navigate this stage of life. I have to admit I am very envious of your nursing career!
8. How does the author of Hebrews explain Abraham’s faith? (Hebrews 11:19)
Instead of doubting who God is and that He keeps his promises, he reasoned that if Isaac were sacrificed God could raise him from the dead. So in a matter of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death. (I haven’t seen this before!). Could this point to the resurrection? Wow. His people’s resurrection, our resurrection and the future resurrection of the new heavens and new earth?? Or am I stretching this a bit. 🙂
What is blowing me away this week is I haven’t seen the Gospel in this account with Abraham sacrificing Isaac before. Even this verse in Hebrews is amazing.
Abraham’s life had to be fraught with daily valleys and trials back then and I am sure similar yet most likely much worse than ours. Yet He reasoned based on who God is and what God has already revealed to him about Himself and His future. So His heart wasn’t set on this world at this moment but what God had ahead for him and he took that and walked in that reality instead of walking in the fear of the moment.
So His heart wasn’t set on this world at this moment but what God had ahead for him and he took that and walked in that reality instead of walking in the fear of the moment…..
This is so true , I always see where Paul talks about future glory , not being burdened by today’s troubles. I have to remind myself that Paul should be pretty trustworthy because he was given a glimpse of third heaven. ( I think it says third heaven , always correct me if I’m wrong 🙂 So Paul keeps saying ” everyone ! Trust me , it’s going to be so good! Just hang in there , keep running this race. It’s going to be so worth it”.
Praying for you , Rebecca , that there is peace that passes beyond your understanding. God loves you so.
7a. Yes and no…sacrifice implies death, but I can see his point.
7b. Not sure, because I am trusting Meller know more about those communities than I do! Even still, being asked to sacrifice your only son for the good of the community? Hmmmm, not feeling it!
7C. Agree.
8. How does the author of Hebrews explain Abraham’s faith? (Hebrews 11:19)
He says that Abraham realized that God would return Isaac at some point (raising the dead). He may have thought that was in heaven, or it could have been here on earth, the “where” didn’t matter, only the fact that it would happen mattered to him.
C. Keller sees a parallel between Isaac carrying the wood and Jesus carrying the cross. Do you agree?
When all the parallels are put together, yes. I didn’t see it initially, but hey, I am not Tim Keller 🙂
9. Challenge question: How can you also see it confirmed in the text that Abraham believed God would raise Isaac from the dead?
Abraham said that God would provide a lamb, and he told the servants that “we” will return.
11. Where do you need to trust right now that God will provide for you?
I am not sure how to name the need, but I have such difficulty thinking and talking about the trauma of Daniel’s death. I fear maybe I have deadened parts of my heart and soul somehow. I don’t know what I need, I do trust that the Lord does. I know I can so quickly despair and retreat.
Bill and I have signed up for a Nancy Guthrie weekend for parents who’ve lost a child. It sickens me, the thought of going, but I hope God will move me from where I am now.
Lord, please wrap Your arms around Chris. Help her to know the ultimate freedom of giving You her pain. Give her courage and grace to go to this weekend, and then show Yourself to her in a mighty way. May she be singing Your praises when we hear from her next week. May she be able to feel Your everlasting arms under her from this moment on until You show her that she is ready to stand on her own again, with You by her side.
How I pray Nancy’s teaching will bring some healing. I’m not sure it will ever be possible to not feel pain when talking about Daniel’s traumatic death. But let us know what you learn — so pray for healing, Chris.
Chris–when is the retreat weekend? I want to pray specifically for you & Bill during it. Love you sister~
I agree, Lizzy. I would like to pray also.
Chris, I can totally “get” that thinking about your son’s death would still be painful, so you would tend to deaden your heart. I pray with the others than this Nancy Guthrie weekend will bring some healing. With the others, I would like to know the dates of the weekend so I can remember you in prayer.
Chris, like Dee, I think it’s possible you may always feel that deep pain re your son, this side of heaven. I am so sorry, I cannot imagine that. I am praying for you, that you will have the courage to do the NG wkend, and that it will be a baby step towards healing. You fear “maybe I have deadened parts of my heart and soul somehow…” I believe you have, and for good reason–you have been hurt in the worst possible way, you cannot bear to revisit those deep, locked away places in your heart, ever again. Blocking out the pain as a form of protection. Oh goodness, forgive me, I have no idea what I’m talking about! This is not my area of expertise! My heart aches for you. I wish I could just wave a magic wand & make it all go away for you. “with God all things are possible”
You are all so kind, I suppose I left the impression that the weekend was imminent, it isn’t until the last weekend in March. I have a testimony of the goodness of the Lord. I hope to be able to speak it at some point. Friends who I trust tell me there is no hurry and to stop putting pressure on my self. But I am not sure, I don’t know.
I was surprised to see that Nancy Guthrie will also be at the Gospel Coalition Women’s Conference and is the guest speaker at the 2018 CCEF conference, I am supposed to attend both of those, so our paths will cross multiple times next year.
Chris, I think you just acknowledged a kiss from the King!! Your paths are to cross “multiple times next year;” that can’t be a coincidence. I bet she has much to share with you. I can’t wait to see how He works.
9. Look in Gen for where it says that Abraham believed God would raise Isaac from the dead….
verse five … He said to his servants that he and Isaac would return to them.
I didn’t see this earlier because the question said to look in vs two and three.
10. Abraham called that place ‘the Lord will provide’, because God had provided a substitute for Isaac, just as He has done for us in Jesus.
11. Where do I need to trust that God will provide?
Sorry to keep harping on this, but it truly is where I am at. With my eating habits. I’ve wanted an all encompassing solution, but He is showing me that He will provide in each instance as I come to Him. I have compiled a list of dozens of verses that all speak to me about this struggle, all under the heading of Heb 12:4… You have not yet resisted (sin) to the point of shedding your blood…. Jesus shed drops of blood in the garden resisting His flesh, and I will never come near that.
Mary , I struggle with food , too , and He has taken away some of the worst of the cravings, not all but I’ve really lost a desire for chocolate which was my worst. I’ll be praying for you. And it’s good to remember that if we fail that He is not disappointed in us , He just says Lets try again .
12. Reflect: how has God turned your ashes into beauty.
A number of years ago my husband and I were part of starting a church. It grew over time into a successful and established ministry. After almost 20 years into it and with some major leadership changes we found ourselves at odds with things that were happening in the church. After a painful time of differences we had to leave and separate our selves from it. Emotionally I was broken and devastated. I felt like I never wanted to join another church ever again. But for the sake of our two youngest children still at home we believed we had to become part of another church where they could continue to grow and be taught. So we made that change and eventually became an active part of it’s ministry. That church impacted our son’s life for good in his acceptance of Christ and his spiritual growth. He eventually went to Moody Bible College and then Dallas Theological Seminary. The biggest surprise was when God called him back here to our home town to be the lead pastor of our church. The former pastor was retiring and solicited our son to come back and serve. Another beautiful part is that recently the other church after many years of turmoil has called a wonderful pastor to serve who has become a close friend of my son and they are doing some Celebration Recovery ministry together. I could never have dreamed at the time what He would do. Only God could have orchestrated these things and brought beauty out of my ashes.
13. How has God provided for you truth in times of loss or fear?
It has always come through the Scriptures whether reading them for myself or through a sermon or someone ‘s teaching.
14. Reflect: What have you lost that you will indeed get back at the renewal of all things?
For starters I believe two miscarried babies along with a number people that were precious to me in this life but are now with the Lord will be mine to meet when Jesus renews all things at His coming again. As I have started reading John Eldredge’s book I am seeing other good things God may have for me and my heart is stirred with hope.
BEV! What a STORY!! W-O-W
What a beautiful story of beauty from ashes, Bev!
That is an incredible testimony, Bev!
I’m going to get that book , Bev . I need to be more heavenly minded
Such a sweet story Bev, I am sure it is beyond what you asked and imagined when you were brokenhearted over separating from your church. This encourages all of us, thanks for sharing.
7. Indeed, this is a most strange account. Here are some comments with which you may or may not agree. Read them, and comment:
A. Edmund Clowney:“God did not ask him to murder his son, but to offer him as a sacrifice. The difference is important.” Comment. – I did notice this but I’m not sure Abraham was thinking that way! And when we offer something up, He might just take it, so the offer has to be sincere. Again, I’m just so struck by how matter-of-factly the account is, like God had just said to him, “Go out and plant some tomatoes tomorrow morning.” No emotional aspects are mentioned at all! I’ve offered up less than that with tears.
9. Challenge question: How can you also see it confirmed in the text that Abraham believed God would raise Isaac from the dead?
Is it the phrase, “Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.”
Genesis 22:8 ESV
http://bible.com/59/gen.22.8.esv
10. What did Abraham name the place and why?
He named the place, “The Lord will provide” because the Lord did just that; provided a ram for the sacrifice.
11. Where do you need to trust right now that God will provide for you?
Strength, peace, and willingness to provide to others who need me right now. I am not a young woman anymore and I do get tired watching babies! I am also working a full time job, and trying to take care of my home. My husband needs my attention and, well, let’s just say it is lacking due to our circumstances. I need peace to know that we are doing the right thing with these children and our daughter. The willingness comes when I struggle to “manage” the babies patiently, giving up my own time to exercise and do things my husband and I would like to be doing ourselves that don’t include babies. I really need to trust that we have made good choices in our situation.
Laura — thought of you a lot as many women in prison, though their parents were not good role models, had a caring grandmother.
Wow, I guess I didn’t realize how much it happens. I’m glad they had someone and I hope my grand babies don’t end up there. They are truly sweet angels. I don’t know if I ever shared that a year or so before my mom died we had a conversation about a friend of hers with whom she had lost contact. This friend was raising her granddaughter because her daughter was so messed up; running around the country (like mine is now), doing drugs, different men, etc. I asked my mom if I could talk to her friend (I have no idea why I wanted to do that – (Sarah hadn’t had the first baby yet), I just wanted to know what it was like for the grandmother. So strange. I never got to meet her because my mom took a turn for the worst and couldn’t get in touch with her. I think God put her on my heart for the reason we now know…
Wow, Laura. God was guiding you even then.
12. How has God turned your ashes into beauty? He took the story of my dysfunctional family of origin and blessed me with joy and a whole different family trajectory. I tell people I don’t have ‘family’, I have relatives. But my family now is strong and connected and loves the Lord.