A Cruel Sacrifice

©copyright 2004 Bonita M Quesinberry, R.C. 030504

Genesis c.17-18, c.21-22

Abraham had no children of Sarah, his wife,
and never thought to for the rest of his life.
You see, Abraham already was a hundred years,
and Sarah was ninety, having shed many tears.
Yet, God said she would bear Isaac and she laughed,
surely thinking Abraham had become quite daft.
Ah, but Sarah, the Lord was quick to chastise,
"There is nothing too hard for me in my eyes!
Therefore, I shall return to assure it is done
and, according to time, Sarah will have a son.

Then, as Eloi said, Isaac was born to Abraham;
but a day arrived to sacrifice Isaac like a lamb.
Yea, El instructed that Isaac be placed upon the altar
and, though painful, Abraham dared not falter:
no doubt that he loved and respected our Lord,
even if it meant severing his beloved son's life-cord.
So, Abraham followed all of Adonai's instructions:
laid firewood upon his son, held a knife of destruction.
Just then, Adonai spoke, "Upon thy son lay not a hand;
loosen his bindings, for in the bush is a sacrificial ram."

You see, Isaac was part of a plan and a test for Abraham.
Because he obeyed without question, El stayed his hand.
For Abraham was sought for greater responsibilities:

to be a father of nations, there must be no disabilities.
Thus, history's course began, a sign of things to come;
for Yeshua would cause His own Son to be undone
upon the sacrificial altar of an old rugged cross.
Then, Christ's own life He willing would toss
for you and me and any one who will receive
the blessings of eternal life, if only we believe.

With Isaac, El Shaddai would make an agreement
to extend life on earth in temporary arrangement.
And, as promised, the Messiah timely did arrive;
Then for our past sins, He cruelly suffered and died.
Yet, as Jesus prophesied, in three days He arose,
despite Satan's game and ill wind that still blows.
Thus, of Abraham and Isaac we should not be inscrutable,
knowing all they did, ultimately for us, is not debatable.
So, rejoice and sing praises! Oh, sing the hymn!
For upon that old rugged cross, we all put Him.

No, God did not require of Abraham a cruel sacrifice.
You see, demonstrating a willing heart did suffice.
Therefore truth is, the Lord is not cruel to you or me.
He tries us every day, so believe not what you see.
Know that all things work toward our greater good;
no matter how it seems, each event be as it should.
Every positive or negative occurrence is JUST A TEST.
This is not a time for arrogance or undeserved rest.
How we act or react to life's ups and downs is the key.
It reaps reward: death or an eternal crown, it shall be.