I have always considered Abraham’s offering (aborted, thankfully) of Isaac as the saddest story in the entire Bible. There are other contenders in both Old and New Testaments: the expulsion from Eden; the Flood; the beheading of John the Baptist; the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross. But I stand by my choice. And I’ll tell you why. First, read it. Genesis chapter 22. See if you can find a copy of the King James Bible. Read it there first, then follow with a more modern language version. The story is only 18 verses long, but it could send you into meditation for hours.
I’ve heard many sermons on this story. Often the point is brought up that Abraham never tells Sarah when/where/why he is making this trip. Wise man, huh? There is someone he does tell, though, later…
After a three-day hike they see their destination ahead. Abraham instructs the two young men to remain with their supplies and the donkey, while he gathers the wood, fire and knife for the sacrifice.
You’ll notice that he has Isaac carry the wood. We must remember that Abraham is well over 100 years old, so there isn’t any question of who should carry the wood, but I’ve also heard it contemplated that Isaac being younger and stronger than his aged father could easily throw off the wood, declare, “I’m outta here!” and flee.
Then there’s the question about the lamb. The sacrificial lamb. What about that, father Abraham? “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for the burnt offering.” So they went both of them together.
This is where my sadness starts, but I’m ahead of my story.
Verse 9 is one long sentence; constructed with phrases. Abraham built an altar; laid the wood; bound Isaac; laid him on the …” wait! What? Keep going, “Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son!”
Verses 10, 11 and 12 (If it isn’t disrespectful) ring like the cavalry coming to the rescue! So happy for the angel’s intrusion and Abraham passed the test!
Happy outcome; nothing better! Then why am I sad? Because God couldn’t stay His hand. God had no ram in the bushes to take His Son’s place. It had to be the full real deal or nothing. The stakes couldn’t be higher for us and for God’s Own Son. How can we not weep when we see that Sacrificial Lamb on the cross in our place?