The Patriarchs- Isaac

Several of us went to the movies this week to see "Sound of Freedom". It was based on a true story which was very confronting and sad, yet it inspired hope. It inspired us to hope that child sex slaves can be found and freed, and human traffickers can be caught, and that we can all be part of the solution; whether its raising awareness of the terrible crimes against humanity, encouraging others to see the movie, or even going a step further. Human trafficking and crimes against children are things I am deeply passionate about taking action against. I pray we can raise awareness and help those affected in a meaningful way in the future.

Meanwhile this coming Sunday, we will hear about the second Patriarch, Isaac. Compared to Abraham, and Jacob (the third Patriarch), Isaac seems a bit laid back and 'less' interesting. Most of his story is hidden in the background of more prominent characters. We remember the time when his father Abraham bound him and laid him on the alter as a sacrifice, in obedience to God's command. When Abraham was about to slay Isaac, God intervened and provided a ram to sacrifice instead. God said to Abraham; "Don't harm the boy, now I know that you love me with all your heart, as you have not even withheld your promised son from me'.

Earlier God had promised Abraham that he would make a great nation of him through Isaac. In this experience Abraham was forced to either trust God with what mattered most to him or to distrust God. Abraham chose to trust. Isaac also had to trust in God and his father to willingly become the sacrifice. The young man had been watching and learning about faith in God from his father Abraham, one of the most faithful figures in Scripture. God was teaching Abraham and Isaac that covenant blessings He had promised them require total commitment and obedience to the Lord. 

This incident also foreshadows God's sacrifice of his only son, Jesus Christ, on the cross at Calvary, for the sins of the world. When God commanded Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, the Lord provided a substitute for Isaac in the same way He provided Christ as our substitute through his sacrificial death. Christ Jesus, God's only son, willingly sacrificed himself on the cross so we could be set free. Through faith in him we are freed from slavery to sin, shame and death. This is the good news we ought to be sharing with others so they can know this freedom too. Christ came to redeem all people. As his representatives on earth, we ought to be continuing his work; his gospel mission, and setting the captives free (spiritually and physically). So, let's ask God to break our hearts for what breaks his. I'm sure his heart breaks for victims of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Do you agree?

Here's a song for you to listen to as you reflect (Click HERE)

Blessings on your week.

​Rev Tanya