I asked one of the professors (it is co-taught) to give me some requirements above and beyond for the class to challenge myself more.
One of those was that he got to choose the text I would preach from for one of my sermons in the class, aiming to pick something that might force me out of my norm.
He picked the Abraham and Isaac story and told me that he expected me to deal with the emotion that is inherent to the story.
I read through the story today. I asked Jenny if she thought it was necessary that I answer the question of why God would test Abraham in this way.
I understand that question is one many have about the story, and I am not arguing that I don't want to, or won't address that question in the sermon, just curious if most people would find it necessary.
As you recall the story, or read it here, what questions do you wish someone would address if they were speaking on that story?
3 comments:
I think the issue is less about people needing the question to be addressed, and more about that fact that for many they have problems getting past that question. It's a hang-up.
Some people probably can't(don't) hear or understand the rest of the story, in it's full beauty, because they are so focused on only one part of it.
I think your biggest challenge is to bring people beyond that initial question (to not make it the most important part) and to see the story as a whole.
(As a side note, I think too many people view the Bible as a series of stand-alone stories. I believe the Bible is one story with many parts. This makes it a lot easier for me to get beyond why God would ask such a thing and into what God is trying to say to all mankind through one man.)
While I agree with JEK's comments, I have a hard problem personally getting past the question of why God would test Abraham the way he did and how Abraham knows it is God asking him. I would probably fail the test.
I just remember how Isaac was the answer to a promise God had given Abraham and wonder if there isn't an element of making sure that God is still your number one priority even when he's given you the answers to your prayers. To not let the answers become more important than trusting and obeying your heavenly father.
It's a story that never gets old because it is such an interesting one.
It is cool to see God provide a substitute for Isaac in the lamb he sends along. Abraham had to be in that place for one reason or another.
Good luck!
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