Good morning
Life is fleeting. But it is critically important that we make each moment count. Today’s Holy Nougat offers an interesting opportunity
“I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy, acceptable to God—which is your spiritual service.” Romans 12:1 TLV
You know, we don’t hear much about Isaac per se, especially when compared with his famous father and son. But we might remember yesterday’s nougat which alluded to what I consider the most pivotal moment in his life. Because, after Abraham left the servants, Isaac asked him for the sacrifice and was told God would provide (Genesis 22:7-8). Yet, having been given that assurance, Isaac was tied and prepared to be offered up to his father’s God.
What must have gone through his mind? Did he put up a struggle? Was he even hoping to leave the mountain alive? What did seeing that ram do to him – after all, it was proof that God provides. How would his knowledge that he had been offered to God affect his self-understanding ever after?
I believe that Isaac must have felt like a living sacrifice. He knew that he had been a gift to God. He knew that he was bought with a price. He knew that he had been specially marked, and carried the ‘scars’ of being tied and offered. He also knew he was redeemed (something else had been substituted for him).
The fact is, each of us has been offered on that mountain. Each of us has been tied up, prepared and offered. If we consider it long enough, we can feel the ropes and sense the fire – Pentecost Fire – moving towards us. And the weight of our sins, God is a consuming Fire … But we have been Redeemed. Christ died in our stead. Hallelujah!
So we live.
We live knowing that we are chosen and were redeemed. We live knowing that, like Isaac, we bear the mark of God ALL over us. We live knowing that as sacrifices, we are neither spotless nor sinless; but that by His redemption act, Christ offers us the chance to Sin Less. And that requires another sacrifice – offered freely to The One Who gave Himself in our place. For each of us.
Because he thought we were worth it.
Selah
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
