This is a story that shocks us. Why does God
act in the way that He does? Why does Abraham act so quickly to respond? Why
does Isaac act in such obedience? Yet most of this story is not action; most of
it is hidden silence. Three days on donkeys, and then a long walk for father
and son on foot, God’s command weighing on Abraham’s heart the whole time, and
yet only a few words spoken. If we unravel the story, the weight of the silence
is terrifying. God asks Abraham to put to death all the promises He has given
him of a bright future and many decedents. To have a simple faith, with no hope
of reward or blessing.
On Good Friday we remember the suffering of
Jesus on the cross, through which God also remained silent, prompting Christ to
ask ‘my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ Like with Abraham, Jesus went
through his greatest trial without hope of reward or blessing. Without even the
knowledge of God’s presence.
To go through trials and bewilderment with a
simple faith in a silent God is the greatest challenge we ever face. Yet though
so much of faith is bearing the weight of silence in trust, in the end we are
given hope beyond measure. Because a lamb is provided for us, who shares in our
trials, and in him we are blessed with eternal life.
“Abraham chargea le
bois de l’holocauste sur son fils Isaac ; il prit lui-même des braises pour le
feu et le couteau, puis tous deux s’en allèrent
ensemble.” Genèse 22.6, La Bible du
Semeur (BDS)
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