The Daily Office for February 1, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 72
Genesis 22:1-18
Hebrews 11:23-31
John 6:52-59
Reading (Genesis 22:1-18)
Reflection
Although Isaac is referred to in this passage as Abraham’s only son this isn't entirely accurate since he was also the father of Ishmael. Yet Ishmael never enjoyed the status of a son. The ancient Code of Hammurabi said that a man’s offspring by a slave woman were not ordinarily given the rights that belong to the son born of his wife. In a legal sense, then, Isaac was his unique son and when the New Testament refers to him in Hebrews 11:17, it defines him in a singular way. Thus, when Christ is referred to as God's only Son it is a reference to his status as the unique Son of the Father.
These are difficult verses. God asked Abraham to kill the most precious thing in his life, his only son. He intended to try Abraham’s love, to see if he loved Him more than his son, and to try his faith in His promise concerning descendants. They had to journey about fifty miles. Abraham’s obedience and resoluteness is expressed in that he rose and started out early in the day. What a difficult journey that must have been. Yet we know he had hope for the future and certainty in God's promises concerning Isaac. We read in Hebrews 11:17–19 that he expected Isaac to be resurrected, Abraham demonstrated that he reverenced God more than anyone else since he was willing to offer his only unique son. God, as we know, then provided a ram; a picture offered in John 1:29 of Jesus: “The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” God then assured Abraham that His covenant with him would be fulfilled.
To remain steadfast and faithful during the most tryng of circumstances and to faithfully put our trust in God's promises is often difficult. In Abraham the Bible gives us a wonderful and inspiring picture of what faith means and how it impacts our daily lives. Put your trust in Him -- you'll never be disappointed because He will never fail you.
Collect for the Day
God our creator, who in the beginning commanded the light to shine out of darkness: we pray that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ may dispel the darkness of ignorance and unbelief, shine into the hearts of all your people, and reveal the knowledge of your glory in the face of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.