Thursday after Trinity Sunday, 6/14/01Genesis 22:11, 12 But the Angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” He replied. “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” He said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” --NIV In the name of the Angel of the Lord, amen.
Read our passage for today very carefully. Look closely at who is speaking and what He says. The Angel of the Lord speaks, and says that Abraham has not withheld his son from Him. Back in verse two it says that God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Clearly the Angel of the Lord is God. From things that St. Paul wrote we know that the Angel of the Lord is Christ.
Now consider this, we deserve to be sacrificed for our sins just like Isaac was going to be sacrificed. But instead, God the Father gave His only Son into death in our place. Therefore He withhold His hand from harming us. If you ever think that God doesn’t love you, remember that Christ, that is God Himself, died for you. What more can God possibly do to show that He truly does love you? Amen.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, You were very present with Your people long ago. You tested Your servant Abraham and showed him what You would to for all people by carrying the wood of the cross as Isaac carried the wood for the fire. Because of Your innocent death, the Father withholds His hand from harming us. Glory be to Your name for You loving act of mercy, amen.