Genesis Roots: Abraham sacrifices Isaac but God saves him!

This week we continue my summer lectionary series called. "Genesis Roots."  The word genesis means origin, beginning, or birth.  Root, in the context in which I'm writing, means essential core or source of life. In a way, the roots of the story of monotheistic faith rest in the stories we find in Genesis.

If you are unfamiliar with the story of Abraham (and Sarah) you may want to take some time and begin reading in Genesis 12 (then skip to chapters 15, 16, 17, 18:1-15, then skip to 21) to get a look at their marriage and their deep desire for a son through which God would build a great nation.  God said to Abraham in Genesis 15:5 "Look up at the stars, and try to count them all if you can. There are too many to count! Your descendants will be as many as the stars."   In the end Abraham has 2 sons upon which 2 nations are built:  Ishmael, whose name means God hears, is ancestor to the Ishmaelites, the Arab people.  Isaac, whose name means one who laughs, is ancestor to the Israelites, the Jewish people.

Last week's story,  Abraham and Sarah banish Hagar and Ishmael to the desert but God saves them, seemed to me an act of brutal "sacrifice," sanctioned by God no less, involving Abraham's firstborn son, Ishmael, of Hagar the Egyptian slave-woman.  This week we find Abraham once again ready to make a sacrifice to God.  The text says, God was "testing" Abraham's fidelity to God by calling upon him to sacrifice Isaac, his "only" son (of the covenant promise) in the eyes of God.  Abraham is ready to kill him with a knife to the throat before making him a burnt offering to pass God's "test."

To set the scene for this Abraham and Isaac passage, read Genesis 22:1-3 (NET)

Some time after these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am!” Abraham replied. God said, “Take your son—your only son, whom you love, Isaac—and go to the land of Moriah! Offer him up there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will indicate to you.”  Early in the morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took two of his young servants with him, along with his son Isaac. When he had cut the wood for the burnt offering, he started out for the place God had spoken to him about.

Abraham seems to be quite obedient to anyone willing to tell him what to do ... that is how it seems in the biblical text.  I find it interesting that Abraham, who has negotiated with God over God's plans to destroy the people of Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33), doesn't say one word to God about killing his son.  Really?  However, I suppose his faith must be much deeper than I understand.

In Hebrews 11:17, we read "By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son ..."  Even though I can read the words and understand what they are saying, I've never understood how God could ask that of a man and how that man could obey.  This verse really puts the concept of "testing" in the context of faith ... deep, deep faith. 

• Have you ever felt that God was "testing" your faith?  
• How did you know it was God calling you into a time of testing?
• How did you respond in faith to God in the midst of the test?  
• How did your time of testing strengthen your faith in God? 
• If you can't recall a time you felt that God was "testing" your faith, how do you think you would respond in a way that would strengthen your faith and not destroy it?

When you have pondered God's testing in your own life and how that testing has impacted your faith, I invite you to spend a few moments preparing your heart to worship God as you engage with the text via Lectio Divina.   Breathe deeply and envision God’s Spirit filling you with the ability to trust God's word with each breath you take!  Settle into a place of confidence within yourself with a simple breath prayer.  Use this one or create your own.

Breathe in (who do you worship?)   ... Faithful God
Breathe out (what do you need?)     ... Strengthen my Faith

and when you are ready to move deeper into the text, pray ... Faithful God, sometimes I don't understand the ways of the most faithful people in the bible.  I don't understand Abraham the father.  His depth of faith eludes me.  Strengthen me, strengthen my faith as I trust you in the small daily steps I take in life and in the big moments of life, moments when I am tempted to wonder where you are.   In Christ, Amen.  

Step 1: Lectio … Reading

Read  Genesis 22:4-14 (NET) slowly, taking in the story that is unfolding.
Listen for a word or phrase that catches your attention.
Silently focus on that word or phrase or perhaps an image that is forming.
Sit with your word or phrase or image for as long as seems good to you.
Allow it to sift through your heart and mind.
Let the story come alive in your soul through that word, phrase, image.

Click here to read in original Lectio Version: The VOICE Bible
On the third day Abraham caught sight of the place in the distance. So he said to his servants, “You two stay here with the donkey while the boy and I go up there. We will worship and then return to you.”

Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and put it on his son Isaac. Then he took the fire and the knife in his hand, and the two of them walked on together. Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father?” “What is it, my son?” he replied. “Here is the fire and the wood,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” “God will provide for himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham replied. The two of them continued on together.

When they came to the place God had told him about, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood on it. Next he tied up his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand, took the knife, and prepared to slaughter his son. But the Lord’s angel called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am!” he answered. “Do not harm the boy!” the angel said. “Do not do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God because you did not withhold your son, your only son, from me.”

Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram caught in the bushes by its horns. So he went over and got the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place “The Lord provides.” It is said to this day, “In the mountain of the Lord provision will be made.”

Step 2: Meditatio … Receiving
Continue to focus on your word or phrase or image.
Pay attention to the thoughts and feelings it evokes.
What memories come to your mind?
Ask God to continue to speak to you and reveal your path.
Listen and watch for God’s faithful presence as you move through your day

Step 3: Oratio … Responding
Consider any desires that have been awakened by your prayer
Perhaps you have found an area of your life that needs attention
Do not rush ... wait and listen as God forms your prayers and desires

Step 4: Contempatio … Resting
Allow your word, phrase or image to fall away ... 
Allow yourself to rest in the silence ...

If images are a pathway to God for you, you may want to pray while "gazing" upon this painting of Abraham, Isaac, and the Messenger of God.  How does this image resonate with what has arisen within you?

"The Angel Stays Abraham's Hand," painting at the Monastery of Narga Selassie, Dek Island, Lake Tana, Ethiopia. Late 18th century.  Photo by A. Davey, originally posted on Flickr and shared on Wikimedia Commons via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License

To end your time of praying with scripture, pray this prayer of Teresa of Avila, 16th century Christian mystic:

“May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, 

and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, 

and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.”
Amen.

Lanterns in the Desert/Lenten Labyrinth: Do not put the Lord your God to the test

This week we are considering the 2nd temptation of Jesus in the desert as we walk the labyrinth.      Do you have easy access to a Labyrinth that you could walk?   If not, you can take this Link to a finger Labyrinth that you can download and print: PDF File/Labyrinth.  If you prefer, here is a link to an online virtual labyrinth. If you didn't experience the text through Lectio Divina last week, you may want to take this link:  Lenten Lectio 2 before considering the text as you walk the Labyrinth.  If not, you may simply want to read the foundational text and let the words embrace you as you read.

When you are ready, read Matthew 4:5-7 from The Message:

For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said, “Since you are God’s Son, jump.” The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: “He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone.”  Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: “Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.”

Jesus has been on a 40-day spiritual journey in the desert, just as we are in the midst of our own 40-day Lenten journey.  He is tested 3 times and each time, he responds to the "test" with words from the Jewish scriptures.  These words are his "Lanterns in the Desert."  

Jesus relies on Deuteronomistic history of Moses and Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.  As Jesus relived the tests of his ancestors, we live these same tests in our daily lives.   The 2nd test that Jesus encounters in his own wilderness wanderings is what I call "control." Satan is calling upon Jesus to take control of his own life.  It is quite a dare-devilish thing to do, to throw oneself from a building to see if God will act ... in effect, "testing" God.

Take a few moments to think about your life and your desire to control the things in your life. Have you ever bargained with God.  In the past, I have said this kind of prayer ... God if you will just do this for me, I will go to church every week for a year!   Have you?

Now, settle into a place of loving openness within yourself with a simple Breath Prayer.  Use this one or allow one to emerge as you breathe in and breathe out for 5-10 minutes.

Breathe in ... God, my Refuge
Breath out ... Let me enter your Rest
   
Pray: Holy God, your Word is my light and my lantern!   Sometimes I feel like I am wandering in the desert with Jesus, struggling with the same issues he is confronting.  Help me to accept my struggles as a chance to grow closer to you.  Amen.  

Jesus carries Jewish scripture in his heart as his Lantern in the Desert.    Allow yourself to be drawn deeply into God’s Presence as you read and pray and listen for the whispers of God through the text.  "Read" Deuteronomy 6:16, Exodus 17:1-7 slowly.  Imagine yourself as one of the Israelites wandering in the desert.  What do you hear?  What do you see?

You must not test the Lord your God as you did when you complained at Massah ... At the Lord’s command, the whole community of Israel left the wilderness of Sin and moved from place to place. Eventually they camped at Rephidim, but there was no water there for the people to drink. So once more the people complained against Moses. “Give us water to drink!” they demanded.  “Quiet!” Moses replied. “Why are you complaining against me? And why are you testing the Lord?”  But tormented by thirst, they continued to argue with Moses. “Why did you bring us out of Egypt? Are you trying to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?”  Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What should I do with these people? They are ready to stone me!” The Lord said to Moses, “Walk out in front of the people. Take your staff, the one you used when you struck the water of the Nile, and call some of the elders of Israel to join you. I will stand before you on the rock at Mount Sinai.  Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink.” So Moses struck the rock as he was told, and water gushed out as the elders looked on.   Moses named the place Massah (which means “test”) and Meribah (which means “arguing”) because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord here with us or not?”

Read the passage again.  Is there a word or phrase that captures your attention as you read?  It may even be an image that will emerge for you. Perhaps this word or phrase or image will shine light into your life.   Let it illuminate your life as you walk the labyrinth and "Reflect" on what you are hearing. 


When you are on your way, turn your word or phrase or image over in your mind. Let God speak into your heart as you listen.  Take time to "Release" anything that emerges that you need to let go of in order to move on in your prayers.

Come to a time of pause … at the center of the Labyrinth or wherever you are.  Take time to "Receive" and welcome God's word for you. Consider these questions or others that may arise in your time of pause:  Where is God speaking into my desire to control my life and make things go my way ... through my word, phrase, or image?  How is my life touched by the word of God today?
 
As you walk or move out of the center along the same path you took that brought you to your pause, know that you are gaining strength for your continuing journey of life.  How is God inviting me to see myself differently?  How is God calling me to trust more deeply?  As you walk, take the time to "Respond" to God ... it doesn't have to be in words, it may be in a body prayer or in simple silence or ... however it seems right to you!

As you reach the end of the Labyrinth pathway, it is time to "Rest" in the silence of God's Presence.  Allow God to light your lantern in the desert with simplicity and healing grace.

Simply BE with the God who always hears your prayers.

Be aware that you may find a desire to express what you have received.  This is a wonderful time to journal.  Write about your experience, thoughts, feelings, and insights.   Some persons find that God’s voice is clarified through the writing process.

To end your time of Labyrinth Prayer, stand a the edge of the Labyrinth and repeat the lectionary Psalm 95 for it is another Lantern in the Desert!

O come, let us sing to the LORD; 

let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;

let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth; 

the heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it, 

and the dry land, which his hands have formed.
O come, let us worship and bow down, 

let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, 

and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would listen to his voice!
Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, 

as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
when your ancestors tested me, 

and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
For forty years I loathed that generation and said, 

"They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they do not regard my ways."
Therefore in my anger I swore, "They shall not enter my rest."

Amen ... 

If art is a pathway to God for you, you may want to gaze upon the image below and engage in Visio Divina with it...  

Temptation of Christ in the Wilderness by Juan de Flandes, in public domain

Read the Image ... Allow your eyes to seek softly what you are attracted to in the image.  Simply receive the gift of seeing.  What image within the image is drawing you in ... Allow yourself a few moments simply to sit with this gift.

Receive the Image ... Take a deep breath and gaze with soft eyes and a receptive spirit.  After receiving, close your eyes and reflect by allowing your imagination to form that image in your consciousness ... what are you receiving from God through the image?  How does this illuminate your life right now?

Respond to God ... Now take a deep breath and gaze with soft eyes and a grateful spirit.  How do you sense yourself desiring to respond to God through the image you have received?  What would you say to God about what you are hearing, seeing, feeling?  Allow yourself to pray with gratitude ...

Rest in God ... Now take a deep breath and rest ... notice how your body feels.  Is there something more here?  Then go back and repeat your "gazing" prayer.   If you feel that you have received all you need in this moment, simply rest in the silence and come to a place of shalom, peace, wholeness ...

To end your time of Visio Divina ... Join Jesus in lifting up his Lantern in the Desert:

Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.