Psalm69│Genesis 22.1-18│Colossians 1.18-23│John 19.38-42
Psaumes 69|Genèse 22.1-18|Colossiens 1.18-23|Jean 19.38-42
Sacrifice
“Father….where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”. A
haunting question hangs over a terrifying story. Abraham has been asked by God
to sacrifice his son….”your only son, whom you love…” (Genesis 22.2). As
readers we know that Abraham is being tested by God…..but still.
Abraham’s answer is somewhat evasive “God will provide for himself the
lamb….my son” (v8). When Isaac lies bound on the woodpile and the
sacrificial moment is there, and angel interferes and stops Abraham in his
tracks. Abraham then sees a ram caught in a thicket and sacrifices the animal
instead. But what about a lamb? Abraham names the place and
prophetically the message lingers….“On the mount of the Lord it shall be
provided” (v14).
'Sacrifice of Isaac' by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, , 1573-1610, Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
Centuries later a man walks that land. John the
Baptism will say of him “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of
the world” (John 1.29). A sacrifice will take place in the land of Moriah
(Genesis 22) when crosses go up outside the city wall. God himself provided the
lamb, His only Son…whom he loved. Jesus.
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to
dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or
in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
(Colossians 1.19-20).
Thank you Lord for your amazing sacrifice!
Paul Vrolijk
No comments:
Post a Comment