I know we all are familiar with the account recorded at GENESIS 22:2, where God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son as a burnt offering to him. I observed that people were actually outraged by this account.
I agree with you all that these feelings are understandable, but there are some points I want us to keep in mind.
First, God did not allow Abraham to go through with the sacrifice, even though Abraham was prepared to do so, nor has God ever again asked such a request anymore. He wants us all to continue living –to enjoy a long and satisfying life.
Secondly, the bible tells us that God had a special reason for asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. God knew that many centuries later, he would allow his own son Jesus Christ to die in our behalf (Mathew 20:28). He wanted to convey to us just how much this sacrifice would cost him.
Take note of God’s word to Abraham at Genesis 22:2
“Take please, your only son whom you so love, Isaac, ……….. Offer him up as a burnt offering”.
Notice there that God referred to Isaac as “whom you so love” . He knew how precious Isaac was to Abraham. This was the same way God felt about Jesus Christ.
Observe too, that God used the word “please”, this signifies that he know the costliness of what he was asking. Just imagine how Abraham must have felt, that request grieved Abraham deeply. In a similar way, we can barely imagine the intense pain that God must have felt as he watched his beloved son suffer and die. It was undoubtedly the greatest pain God had ever experienced and ever will experience.
My good audience, I want you all to remember that God did not allow Abraham to sacrifice his son. He spared Abraham the worst loss a parent can suffer. But yet, he did not withhold his own son (Jesus Christ) but delivered him up for us all.
Some might ask, why would God subject himself to such a terrible ordeal? 1 John 4:9 tell us;
“By this the love of God was revealed in our case, that God sent his only-begotten son into the world so that we might gain life through him”.
This indeed is a powerful reminder of the love God really have for us. Does this not move you to show love to him in return. Yes indeed.