The story takes place over a three-day period. On the first day God gave Abraham instructions, on the second day Abraham travels to the mountain, and on the third day he and Isaac go up the mountain for the ceremony.
Many people look at this passage from Abraham’s point-of-view (obedience), from Isaac’s point-of-view (fear and then relief) or from God’s point-of-view (testing Abraham followed by His provision). I want to reflect on what Sarah must have been going through. Being an American Christian woman, I am certain I have a very different life than Sarah did, to say the least! But I’m also certain we would have connected on many levels, like both desiring to follow and please God, submit to our husbands and being mothers of boys- I have two.
I’m sure that while my desire to submit to my husband is strong, my American culture has gotten in the way at the same time. For example, I easily recognize my strengths and my husband’s strengths, and allow that to influence our decision-making, in general. In other words, if I feel like I’ll make a better choice than he would, then I’ll fight harder for what I want. This can easily be justified in many ways, but does that make it ok? Does it please God?
Focusing on the thought of submission, what might Sarah have gone through on that first day? In the text of Genesis 22 it doesn’t mention Sarah at all, so I really don’t know the conversations between her and Abraham, but I can’t imagine it was an easy, stress-free day! Here’s what would’ve gone through my head if it were me:
- I am 100 years old Abraham- there is no plan B
- We waited so long for this son, you can’t take him from me
- This isn’t the best choice for the child
- You must have heard God wrong
- the list could go on
The point I’m getting at is, in the end Sarah fully submitted to Abraham...and then what? That’s the scary part. The moment when you fully release the situation, giving up control of it, in essence being out of control. But this is also the most exciting part. Just when that control is given up is when God steps in. This is the moment that God moves. It’s a shift from me, the mama bear protecting my baby (which is a false security) to the Almighty God’s actual protection (true security). Although in this story it looks as if Isaac is in danger, he is really in the best-case scenario here, the one where God is leading and knows the final outcome!
Not only did God protect Isaac, He also worked in Abraham’s life and heart. Isn’t it amazing to watch God work in our husbands? We see just that happen in this story because Sarah didn’t stop Abraham from taking Isaac up the mountain. She submitted, she stepped out of the way and God moved. God told Abraham this would be a test, and I love what God then tells Abraham after he passes the test:
“I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” Genesis 22:16-18 NIV
What an amazing thing God promised Abraham. I want that kind of blessing on my family too!
Lord, please remind me that when my desires are overtaking to release them to You, knowing that’s when You move. ~Beth
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