What a trip! In Genesis 22, God asked Abraham to travel to a mountain He would designate and there offer up his beloved son, Isaac. Abraham arose early the next day to begin the three day trip.
There is no record of the conversation on days one and two, although I cannot imagine a lot of playful banter lightening the mood. Yet the brief interchanges that have been preserved from day three sound a note of hope. Abraham could envision how the situation might turn out differently. But no plan B was forthcoming. So Abraham kept his pace steady to fulfill God's original request. The altar and wood were arranged, the lad bound, the knife unsheathed, and Abraham's arm bared as he braced to plunge the blade into the heart of his son.
What would the journey to Mount Moriah have been like if I walked in the sandals of Abraham? Although my pace on foot would be labored, my mind would be racing in a tumble of questions like these, "How does this request square with God's previous promises? Isaac's birth was miraculous; his destiny was to become the first installment of God's covenant with me; he is poised to become a man who fears God and who is ready to serve Him. And now I am to extinguish all the hope and promise Isaac represents! God's request just doesn't make sense! And then there's the moral dilemma. How can the God of life advocate taking the life of the innocent? Surely this is the opposite of what I would expect of a holy God. Perhaps I have been confused. Perhaps, I have assumed that God is asking me to do this, when God couldn't possibly be the source of such a request! This is all a horrible mistake caused by miscommunication."
Against the backdrop of such reasonable doubts, Abraham stuns us - he betrays no trace of flinching from God's request in the pregnant moment as the blade is raised. But then God interrupts: He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me” (Gen. 22:12). Did you catch the connection God made? Fearing God and withholding a son are mutually exclusive. By his willingness to give God his son, Abraham proved the genuineness of his fear of God.
I would not presume to equate my experience with Abraham's. But I have recently joined the fellowship of those who journey to Mount Moriah and am striving to learn from Abraham's victory. Earlier this week, our son was diagnosed with cancer. That God would call our beloved son to Himself is among the range of possibilities. So I am asking God to grow in me the authentic fear of Him that is capable of releasing a son to his heavenly Father. I want to fear Him without doubt, without flinching, and without regret. I want to have the kind of regard for my God that considers it an honor to give Him such a precious gift.
God may choose to restore our son - we are fervently praying for precisely that. But even if God does not, we will still love Him and fear Him. Indeed our experience is only deepening our love. For in some small measure, we are experiencing something of what it was like for Father to journey to Mount Moriah and willingly consign His Son to death on a cross. The ghastly picture of what Abraham was about to do shows us what the Father actually did. God stopped Abraham but refused to excuse Himself. Through our tears and anguish of heart, we are seeing with even greater clarity the amazing love of our Father.
Alex and I will be praying for your family as you prayed for us. I pray that, as with Isaac, you will see the deliverance of your son who will go on to fulfill his purpose and glorify God. I pray that as you walk this journey you will receive peace and strength beyond measure. May you sense the presence of The Comforter each step of the way.
Gail
Posted by: Gail Duron | June 17, 2010 at 10:17 AM
jim and i are praying for your family.my heart is saddened by your trouble, i know, our God will comfort and strengthen you in ways you've never felt before! while i can't imagine the depth of suffering, only how i would feel if it were my son. i know you will get through this as i did with several persons including my father who had to battle cancer. you will find the strength to be there for austin and this seemingly unbearable challenge will make your faith stronger.i'm with you in what ever way i can be, but prayers just don't seem enough sometimes to support those in need.God has the answers, we will all trust him completely! kathy
Posted by: kathy douglas | June 17, 2010 at 01:10 PM
I have been experiencing some of the same you have! NO, not cancer but just the ability and willingness to release our son into HIS hands...anytime, any age it is not easy. But you have truly hit the nail on the head; if we can grasp slightly how God sent His only Son for me(us), how then can I not allow my son to go on the path God has for him? HIS lovingkindness is sometimes overwhelming that I just have to sit in awe of WHO HE is! love to all!
lkd
Posted by: Lesa | June 18, 2010 at 10:02 AM
This is a beautiful post Jim. This is a hard road you are walking transparently before us and the Lord. Thank you for continuing to choose to live in obedience and authenticity. We are praying for Austin daily and for your entire household. We love you and are thankful to be in the trenches with you.
Grace, Dennis and the gemmseze
Posted by: Grace | June 19, 2010 at 11:16 PM
Grace,
You said it perfectly!
Posted by: Mindy W | June 20, 2010 at 09:31 PM
The storms arrive, the rain falls, but the sun (Son) always shines. You and your family are lights that honor and glorify our Lord. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Ps 91:1 Our love and prayers continue, Ed & Christe
Posted by: Ed and Christe | July 01, 2010 at 12:05 PM