His Only Son 2023

In the ancient region of Canaan, around 2,000 BC, Abraham finds himself responding to a powerful divine calling that resonates within his soul. The Lord commands him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, as an offering on the sacred mount of Moriah. With a heavy heart, Abraham bids farewell to his cherished wife, Sarah, and sets off with two dedicated servants, Kelzar and Eshcolam, on this harrowing journey. The previous decades, particularly in 2,040 BC, play a significant role in shaping this moment—when a younger Abraham, previously known as Abram, shared a profound vision with Sarah, who was then called Sarai. In this vision, the Lord God unveiled His intentions: to lead them away from the comfort of Ur Kasdim into a destiny filled with promise, where Abraham’s descendants would form a mighty nation.

As they trek toward Hebron, the party encounters a cadre of Pelishtiy guards, dispatched by Abimelech, king of Pelesheth. Here, the revelation of Abraham’s true identity, as Abram, who is known to the king, acts as a pivotal moment in their journey. At their campsite, Abraham reminisces about the critical victory he secured for his shepherds against the forces of Shinar, rescuing Sodomite captives, including family members. In this reflection, he is haunted by the catastrophic fate that befell Sodom and Gomorrah, notorious for their wicked deeds.

During the arduous journey, Abraham’s thoughts are consumed by the Lord’s promises regarding land and descendants, alongside Sarai’s advice to seek refuge in Egypt amid hardships. As they approach Hebron, he recalls the covenant bestowed upon him regarding an heir, which he had shared with Sarah. This leads him to reflect on the complex relationship dynamics stemming from his union with Hagar, the Egyptian maid, resulting in the birth of Ishmael, a source of tension among the trio.

As darkness falls, fervent discussions among the group revolve around the sacred nature of sacrifice and the severity of sin, prompting Abraham to make a heartfelt appeal. He pleads with the Lord to spare his life instead of that of Isaac, diving deeper into the mysteries of divine will and purpose.

Continuing toward Ephrathah, Abraham recounts a troubling episode involving King Abimelech’s harem that led to Sarah’s wrongful capture, only to be reclaimed amid divine wrath. This ordeal not only secured Sarah’s return but also brought wealth, which somewhat eased the pain of their trials.

Their journey, however, is clouded with conflict, as Eshcolam’s burgeoning animosity towards Abraham intensifies, leading to clashes with the Pelishtiy guards, who demand tributes before leaving them wounded and weary.

In a moment of reflection, Abraham thinks back to three divine visitors who renamed him and Sarai, predicting the miraculous birth of Isaac, underlining the extraordinary circumstances surrounding their son.

Upon reaching Moriah, a fateful chapter begins for both Abraham and Isaac. As they ascend the mountain, Isaac innocently asks about the sacrificial lamb, prompting Abraham to assure him that the Lord will provide. With his own heart heavy, Abraham reveals the grim truth to Isaac: he is the destined sacrifice. Though initially compliant, Isaac feels the weight of this prophetic truth.

Just as despair begins to envelop Abraham, the Lord intervenes, instructing him to spare Isaac, unveiling a ram as a substitute offering. Reaffirming the Lord’s promise in his mind, Abraham proclaims, > “The Lord will provide.” The Lord, in turn, reinforces His covenant with Abraham, recognizing his unwavering faith in withholding nothing, even his beloved son.

This poignant moment marks a significant point in faith history, a narrative that will resonate through millennia until a Roman centurion at the cross acknowledges Jesus as the embodiment of Abraham’s steadfast faith in the divine.