"Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood." -Genesis 22.9
We don't know how much time has passed between Genesis 21, when Isaac is born, and Genesis 22, when Abraham goes to offer him as a sacrifice. I've seen different thoughts, some say it was 15-25 years, one said it was 37 years. But no matter which one is correct, we know two things. First, Abraham is over 100, anywhere from 115-137, he's an old man. Second, Isaac is young and strong, anywhere from 15-37, in the prime of his life.
And so with that in mind, you begin to look at the story with another perspective. Isaac, was more than capable of overpowering his father. He could have easily outrun him if he didn't want to fight his father hand to hand. But he doesn't. He willingly carries the wood to the top of Mt. Moriah. He willingly allows himself to be tied up. He willingly allows himself to be place on the altar. He was willing to allow his father to sacrifice him. Why? Because it was the will of God.
You'll see many similarities to Jesus in this story. And we have another example of what a man is to do. Are we willing to do whatever God asks? Are we willing to struggle and sacrifice ourselves if that is what God's plan is? Our are we trying to figure out how to gain the upper hand in wrestling match with Him? Or looking for the clearest route to book it out of there?
Are you willing to go to death for God? Are you willing to die to yourself to fulfill His will? And more than that, are you willing to carry the wood to the place where you will be sacrificed? Are you willing to do whatever God asks in order to do His will? Are you willing to help it be fulfilled no matter the cost to you? Are you willing?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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