Abraham and the Sacrifice of Isaac

Text: Genesis 22:1-18

Reflection and Question: My understanding is that the peoples living around the Hebrews as they settled in Canaan did practice child sacrifice. This is suggested, in part, by the number of passages condemning that kind of ritual. And yet here is God requiring Abraham to sacrifice the long-awaited son of the covenant. Abraham passes God’s test with amazing faith that God’s will shall be done and that God would provide. By Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son, the covenant with God is sealed. Ever since, this story has served as the best example of godly faithfulness. When was your faith tested like Abraham’s?

Prayer: God of our fathers and mothers, may we respond with Abraham when You call, saying, “Here I am.” May You find us as faithful as Abraham, dear God. But when we fall short, have mercy on us. Through Jesus, Your Son, we pray. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).