Genesis 22:1-14 I I like to think of this account as a dream, a vision, as Moriah itself is an unknown land. One could view this troubling story as a means of facing and challenging unforeseen and unfair tragedy, a look at the theodicy issue of god and human suffering.. I almost suspect that Abraham faces this trial as he acquiesced to the possible sacrifice of Hagar and Ismael ot the whim of Sarah.The narrative of Genesis 22 offers its readers a safe space for reflection according to which believers may bemoan the fact that human beings end up in impossibly tragic situations; perhaps contemplating why innocent children are killed (or almost killed) for no reason.Why would God ask for the inhuman sacrifice of Isaac?What could be taught here at the mount of teaching/temple site? How could Abraham even consider killing the child of the promise so long prayed for, so long dreamed of?Triple verbs slow down the action just as it was slowed last week with Hagar and Ishmael.- God will see to the lamb (provide) Is this a challenge to the deity? Like the silence of a lamb, Isaac is bound on the altar-( none in most Protestant churches)Abraham sees the ram, just as Hagar last week perceived the well. Then God, God, swears an a oath.
Surely, Christians find resonance in this story between the one Jesus called Father and himself,especially in Gethsemane. a song by Bob Dylan on Genesis 22 that makes a connection between fathers sacrificing their children and the countless young sons who were sent to fight and to die .we may sacrifice our children to our own dreams realize dor unrealized.Also in post-holocaust reflection, many of the anguished parents could do little more but ask why God had not intervened when their children were burned in the Shoah?Julia O'Brien writes, her student "gave her congregation permission that the text had not given Abraham: to weep for the tragic situations of their own lives, for the horrible choices they feel they have no choice but to make." .And yet, this questioning faith, this mourning, about the tragedy that all too often permeates life occurs in a space framed by the underlying belief in the goodness of God who does not want suffering for God's children; a God who will provide. Genesis 22 after all is a story of life coming into a situation of death; a story of redemption; a story of faith in the midst of extreme trauma. It is true that What did this do to Isaac?
it sometimes is difficult to see God's provision and goodness in desperate situations when tragedy strikes. Nevertheless, the text calls upon us to look up and see God's goodness breaking into situations of despair.The true act of faith on the part of Abraham thus is not the blind faith that often has been the dominant message emerging from this text, but rather the ability to recognize God's provision in the ordinary, especially in those circumstances when everything appears to be futile. (Kirkegaard)
and Psalm 13 • is perhaps the model lament as it is simple and covers its basic structure. Lament may well be the best prayer in times of trouble. When a prayer won’t come: read this one. When you have more energy-rewrite it to fit your mood and situation. I realize that this sort of prayer doesn't speak to the spiritual need and condition of everyone,but it is noteworthy laments comprise a plurality fo the 150 psalms.
Romans 6:12-23 ending • apply to Abraham and Isaac>
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