Genesis 22:6
"So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac's shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together,"
Even before Jesus commanded his followers in the book of Luke to take up their cross to follow him, we see Isaac demonstrating the walk that the Father's only Son would have to endure. Usually in reading this scripture we tend to look directly at Isaac, the sacrificial son, but today I want to look at Abraham, the obedient Father.
As a Father having but one son, I can't even imagine myself having to place the wood on my sons shoulder. The very wood that I know is going to be used for his own sacrifice. I could only imagine the heartache and pain that Abraham must have been feeling as he placed the wood upon Isaac and continued up that mountain. Then he himself having to carry the supplies that would be used in finalizing this sacrifice making every step a reminder of what was about to take place.
As cruel as it may seem of the father to consent to such terms, it truly is a selfless act. He knew that without the surrenderance of his son all humanity would face severe consequences.
This is the heart of God. He loves His Son more than any earthly father could possibly love his own, but He selflessly surrendered Him for the sake of the World.
Even as Isaac carried his own wood for his sacrifice willingly, so did Jesus. And every step of the way the Father was right there with him!
We too need to carry our own cross knowing our Father will never leave us!
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