I have heard teachers state what they thought (for instance) what Abraham might have been thinking on his way to sacrifice Isaac, i.e., maybe substituting one of the servants instead of Isaac since he had tried to 'help' God in the past (Hagar incidence)..... Is it right to do that with the scripture........in the end it was as though his whole obedience to God was reduced, when in fact at that time, I believe Abraham had really learned his lesson and that the scripture says that Abraham said, "God will provide the sacrifice"....Hebrews said, Abraham believed God was able to raise the dead.." I don't think there was anything necessary to add to the story.........it just didn't sit right with me...any thoughts anyone?

lori,

First of all, thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord. I myself try to listen to what God gives me through reading the Word! I agree with you. I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide us to the truth, giving us wisdom & knowledge as we grow in the word. I try to stay focused on what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach me on scriptures. I don't judge teachers that are trying to help us with the Word. I encourage you to continue to seek for God's wisdom on interpretation of the scriptures!!!!

May the Lord continue to minister to your Heart!!!!

John Trevino

Lori,

I totally agree with your understanding! Sometimes speculation can be insightful, though in this instance it doesn't seem to further understanding of this passage. Like you, I think Abraham had already learned his lesson from the birth of Ishmael, who he eventually had to send away, even though he loved him very much. It was necessary for Issac to be brought forth as the son of promise. To say that Abraham had any other thoughts than being obedient to the Lord in the binding of Issac and his sacrifice dilutes the whole meaning, just as you have said! Just like God had resurrected Sarah's and Abraham's bodies in order to birth Issac, Abraham had the faith that He was able to resurrect Issac. God's promise that the whole earth would be blessed through Abraham's seed was what was at stake here, and Abraham's faith was that God would be true to His promise.

This was not just any mountain that God had brought Abraham and Issac to. It was Mount Moriah, which would later be the site of the Temple in Jerusalem. It was, I believe, this event that Jesus referred to in John 8:56-58 saying, "Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad". Whether, Abraham knew the clear significance of the ram being substituted in Issac's place, we certainly do! One day God Himself offered His Son, His only Son for our sins in our stead.

It is an awesome responsibility to be a teacher, and so they are held to a higher standard of accountability. I would hope that most teachers would encourage feedback. Without being unjustly critical (and I'm sure you wouldn't), if you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you to voice your concern, I believe that is perfectly alright. A teacher should be teachable too. You would be helping them as well as others.

Blessings,

Chelki

Psalm 133 – "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore."

[This message was edited by Chelki on February 11, 2003 at 09:50 AM.]

Chelki, thanks for the teaching....I am so hungry to know the TRUTH of the scriptures because I want to follow them in truth...if we veer from it's truth then we will get lost......I don't want to be lost...in fact, I want to only be lost in Him....God bless Chelki.....I so appreciate your feedback...

Praise The Lord, Lori!

To get into the mind of Abraham, and really to experience what he may have gone through when he was on his way to sacrifice his son, I'm sure he had plenty of reservations about doing what God had called him to do. We know that he loved his son very much, so obviously that does tell us that he didn't want to do it. He had to have also been thinking, "Why would the Lord give me such a wonderful gift, only to take it away?" In the same way, Jesus prayed for the Lord to take that horrible fate (of dying on the cross) away from him.

Nevertheless, both men obtained the highest honors anyone could ever receive. Because Abraham was obedient, not only did the Lord provide a sacrifice in place of Abraham's son, but the Lord also made Abraham into a great nation. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, not only is He now the King of Kings, but He is also seated at the right hand of the Father.

This teaches us, that there will sometimes be some things that we won't want to do, but if we let God's Will preside over our own, the Lord will greatly reward us for our obedience.

May the Lord continue to bless you as you search His Holy Word. In Jesus' Name, Amen!