A Cruel Sacrifice

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

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

As appointed, Isaac was born to Abraham;
yet, later told to sacrifice him like a lamb:
Isaac destined to be placed upon an altar
and, though so painful, Abraham dared not falter:
there was no doubt he loved and respected our Lord,
even if it meant severing his son's life-cord.
So, Abraham followed all of God's instructions:
firewood upon his son, a knife of destruction.
Adonai spoke, "Upon thy son lay not a hand,
loose his ties: in the bush, a sacrificial ram."

Isaac was God's plan and a test for Abraham.
He obeyed without question, so El stayed his hand;
for God sought Abraham for a greater station.
Only the strong could be a father of nations.
Thus, man's course had begun, a sign of things to come;
for the Lord would cause His own Son to be undone,
nailed to an altar: a bloody rugged cross.
Christ would choose His own life to will in loss:
for me, you, and any one willing to receive
blessings of eternal life; if we do believe.

Through Isaac, El Shaddai would totally agree
to extend life on earth with temporary fee.
And, as promised, the Messiah did arrive;
for our past sins, He cruelly suffered and died.
Yet, as prophesied, three days later He arose;
and, despite Satan's game, Christ defeated His foe.
Thus, Abraham and Isaac let us learn and see
that nothing here is ever what it seems to be.
So, rejoice and sing praises! Oh, sing the old hymn!
For upon that old rugged cross, we all put Him.

God did not need Isaac as a blood sacrifice.
Abram demonstrating a willing heart sufficed.
Truth is, the Lord is not cruel to you or me.
He tests every day, so believe not what you see.
Know that all things work toward mankind's greater good;
good or bad, no matter, each shall be as it should.
All these things of this life are merely JUST A TEST:
not a time for arrogance or undeserved rest.
The key is how well do we handle ups and downs.
One way reaps death, another an eternal crown.

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

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