Preliminary Perspectives On The Sacrifice of Isaac

The account of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac is one of the most sublime passages in the Old Testmant. In this sermon, we attempt to get perspective, first, on the structure of the literature itself where we learn that verses 1-19 stand as a literary unit & serve as a conclusion to the Abrahamic story. (Abraham appears again in Genesis, but more as Isaac's father.) 2nd, a perspective on the prominent themes which we will encounter: several terms are used for the 1st time in Scripture in Gn 22 (temptation, love, obey); the principle of substitution as well a key words - especially "son". We will be taken into the depths of faith's subjectivity as we agonize with Abraham as a community of the sons of Abraham. We will learn lessons about worship; Jesus; faith; eschatology; theology - & ourselves. Genesis 22 is no inconsequential chapter. It presents us with a feast for the soul & fuel for a burning praise of God's grace to us in Jesus Christ.