Climbing To Moriah

By Eleanor Cowles

“…God tested Abraham.  He said to him, ’Abraham!’  And he said, ‘Here I am.’  He said, ‘ Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.’” Genesis 22:1,2
The story of Abraham trudging to Moriah to sacrifice his son Isaac has always troubled me.  I see him striding along with his donkey, the sun hot, Isaac at his side.  What is he thinking?  Does he question God?  After three days he finally sees his destination in the distance.  He straps the firewood he has cut onto Isaac’s back, and they go on together, leaving the donkey and two companions behind.  Abraham carries the fire and the knife!  What is Isaac thinking?
They arrive at the place God has chosen.  Abraham builds an altar and places the wood on it.  Isaac asks about the sacrificial animal.  Abraham answers that God will provide!  The truth of this terrible tale becomes apparent when this father binds his son to the firewood.  But just as he raises the knife to slay his son an angel arrives to stop him.  I was never able to understand how Abraham could do this.
“He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.’  And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns.  Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.” Genesis 22:12,13

As a mother, I feel the poignancy of this story.  For many years I watched my children grow, loving them with the ferocity of a mother tiger.  I wanted them to win all their battles, and to fulfill all my dreams for their futures.  Gradually I am understanding these children are gifts from God to me, not my possessions.  They don’t always meet my expectations.  One of my children developed mental illness at age twelve.  One has floundered in a mire of career indecisions, and has not found a mate to share his life.  One has married outside his faith.  I am learning to trust God in each of these situations.
As I read again this story from Genesis I think God did not intend to take Isaac, but he wanted Abraham to be willing to give him up.  This is a story about Abraham’s heart, and his faith that
even if God did take Isaac He would bring good from it.
I continue to pray for my children, but my prayers now are more offerings of praise for these unique people in my life.  I see Him leading each one, and trust for His ultimate victory.  I need to leave their futures to Him.  This may mean trudging up to Moriah with them and giving them back to God.  The sun is hot, and sometimes I am afraid, but God will always provide.  And His provision will bring the greater blessing.

Eleanor Cowles writes from Independence, Oregon.