Abraham's Campfire Hike

Let's stop by and see what Abraham is up to shall we? God told Abraham and Sarah they were going to have a son. The thing is, Abraham and Sarah were old, like REALLY old. Sarah couldn't seem to have kids so they had kind of given up on the whole deal. Abraham was 100 years old so when God told them they were going to go ahead and have a kid, Sarah quite literally laughed. I suppose I would do the very same thing. God does seem to have a sense of humor I guess. Well, a wee bit more time passed and Sarah did indeed have that kiddo. They named him Isaac. Even then, Sarah laughed. I think I'd really like this girl. I like her realism. If something is funny, it calls for laughter.

A hop, skip and jump later through some time, God told Abraham to take this son - that they waited a hundred years to have - to a mountain and burn him up as an offering to God.

Once again, I'm in a 'huh?'.....state of mind. God gave them this miracle child and then tells him to just go up to a mountain and burn the kid up? Was Isaac in those 'terrible two' stages? Maybe the 'snobby sevens'? Perhaps the 'know it all nines'?

Abraham - being the obedient soldier he is - woke up early, grabbed his donkey, some wood, a couple of men and of course, the dear precious child. I'm wondering where Sarah is here and if she had a few questions? Maybe something like, 'where are you taking our son'? 'How long will you be gone'? I imagine the answers to the questions would have likely lead to a lot more questions...

After three days of hanging out on that mountain, Abraham told the men he drug along with him to stay with the donkey (don't mind me, I just have to go burn this child). He told them he was going to go and worship - and I'm assuming pray for mercy to not have to burn the kid.

Isaac was old enough to speak because when they were leaving the camping group, he spoke to his father. He asked his dad where the lamb was for the burnt offering since we clearly have wood and fire. This kid seems smart. Dad was up to something and I'm sure it didn't seem quite right. 'Ummmm, dad? What are we doing? There are a few pieces missing for this offering.' Abraham assured his son that God would provide a lamb for the offering. Hmmmm, hmmm. Ok dad......

When they got to the place assigned for the offering, Abraham started building an alter and laid down the wood. He then went ahead and tied little Isaac to the alter on the wood. I'm a little curious here. I'm assuming Abraham is a bit sad and maybe seemed "off" knowing he has to kill his kid? Isaac seemed bright enough since he asked on the way up where the lamb was, so I really have to think that Isaac has to be asking a few more questions here. Maybe a few things like, 'Why are you tying me to the fire?!? What's going on dad!?! What are you doing!?!?!' Abraham pulled out a knife and was just about to slay his oddly suddenly silent son.... (Nothing from Isaac here? No more questions?)

....when thankfully, an angel called out and said 'Abraham, stop!' (basically those words). I guess this was all a test. God now knows Abraham will obey Him, fear Him, and put Him above all else. Abraham was even willing to give up his son without a second thought. I suppose that means Abraham passed. (I should hope so)

Now days, if the angels were delayed for any reason, social services would likely beat them to the punch.

God dropped a ram down in a bush for Abraham to use for the offering instead of his son. I am guessing he was really thankful for that angel and the ram. I'm assuming Isaac was too. They were probably both gushing with tears of relief by this point. An angel called out again to Abraham letting him know he will be given tons of blessings for being obedient and giving. I mean, that's kind of nice after everything. I do always appreciate nice people and nice angels. If you can't do anything else in your days, at least be nice.

(Genesis 22)

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