Thursday, 20 March, 2003

From the last section of Thomas Oden's book The Justification Reader.



Before the call to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham already believed that all things are possible with God. "What can we say to those who insist that Abraham was justified by works because he was ready to sacrifice his son Isaac on the altar? Abraham was already an old man when God promised him that he would have a son and that his descendants would be as countless as the stars of the sky. Abraham piously believed that all things are possible with God and so exercised this faith. God reckoned him to be righteous on this account, and gave Abraham a reward worthy of such a godly mind, viz. the forgiveness of his previous sins....So even if Abraham was also justified by his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, this must be regarded as an evident demonstration of a faith which was already very strong" (Cyril of Alexandria).



There are so many ways we can try to evaluate this story of Abraham, Sarah and Isaac. When Isaac and his dad went on a trip and this father of one son was going to a place and time when he would have to put to an end the life of the only son...his beloved...his miracle child, there was no hesitation - for Abraham already believed what God said and what God does. Did Abraham do something that put him in God's favor? He merely continued to trust what God was all about...no more...no less. By faith, he steps off the edge - for by faith there is no edge other than one that leads to the promises of God. So...he goes lifts the blade and is ready to put to an end that which would, by promise, lead to new life...because the God of Abraham is the God of promise. For Abraham it is a "no brainer." In fear and trembling, he goes forward trusting that God will be God. He leaps...blade in hand and fire kindled for sacrifice.



Connection: This God of promise is still the God who calls us and promises life when there is no life and peace when there is no peace and justice when we are witnesses of intolerable injustice. What does leaping...faithful leaping look like in the ordinary days of our lives? Go for it...try it out.



Your promises, O God, stir up our hearts and make for possibilities in the midst of what we are sure are impossible times. Continue to inspire us and move us within our daily lives so that we too may take the leap and live as though we trust whose we are...your Beloved. Amen