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Men of the Old Testament: Abraham – Genesis 22  In Winston Churchill’s book, My Early Life, he tells an interesting story about his relationship with his father, himself a British statesman during Churchill’s childhood. “One day Winston Churchill's father paid a ‘formal visit’ to inspect his son's collection of toy soldiers: ‘All the troops were arranged in the correct formation of attack,’ Churchill recalled. ‘He spent twenty minutes studying the scene - which was really impressive - with a keen eye and captivating smile. At the end he asked me if I would like to go into the Army, so I said 'yes' at once: and immediately I was taken at my word. For years I thought my father with his experience and flair had discerned in me the qualities of military genius. But I was told later that he had only come to the conclusion that I was not clever enough to go to the Bar.’” Fathers and sons have always had an interesting relationship and the Churchill’s were no different, than any of us today, or any of the fathers and sons we see on the pages of the Bible. Fathers will always pass things down to their sons, even if it is unintentional. At first Winston Churchill thought his father was passing down confidence in him, but later he would realize his father was passing down a lack of confidence in his son. Thankfully the Old Testament patriarch Abraham passed on something better than Winston Churchill’s father. When we find Abraham in Genesis 22 it has been a long and eventful life full of peaks and valleys. His son, Isaac, was born through the promise of God, and the faith of Abraham and his wife Sarah. There is, however, a twist to the story. God has asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac to him on an altar. Abraham obeys God believing, according to Hebrews 11:19, that God would raise Isaac up if need be. As we read the story of course we come to realize that God would substitute a ram for Isaac, but don’t miss the impact this must have had on Isaac. His father’s faith was so strong that he was wiling to do whatever God asked of him not matter how outrageous it seemed. A faith like that cannot help but make an impact on a son. Now there is something for a father to pass down to his kids. Questions for Discussion/Reflection 1. How would you have felt if you were Abraham in this story? 2. How would you have felt if you were Isaac in this story? 3. What are some things that your father passed down to you? What do you intend to pass on to your children? Further Study on Abraham Exegesis of Genesis 22 by Bible.org Bible Dictionary Entries on Abraham Sermon on Genesis 22 by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church The structure of Genesis 22 Staff Writer: Aaron Sharp |
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