# Seeking God, Finding God on the Second Sunday of Lent
*2009-03-06*

> Bill Young reflects on Genesis 22:2, exploring Abraham’s test of faith and how we are called to follow God faithfully even when the path seems impossible.

## The Binding of Isaac

The Scripture reading for today comes from Genesis 22:2: “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering.” This is one of the most frightening stories in the Bible, and it has been the subject of much study. In Abraham’s day, the surrounding pagan nations commonly offered firstborns as sacrifices to their gods, often burning them in the temples. Some scholars see the story of Abraham as Israel’s polemic against such infant sacrifice—a graphic teaching that the God of Israel would never demand human sacrifice.

## A Call to Faithfulness

While we may never grasp every nuance of the narrative, one truth stands clear: God is calling us to follow Him faithfully. When we respond to that call, we discover what God truly has in mind for us. Often we think we are called, we try our best, and yet we feel utterly unable to accomplish the task. In those moments we are reminded of Abraham, who trusted God even when the request seemed impossible.

## Finding the Ram in the Bush

Abraham’s story teaches that God may have a different plan for us than we expect. Like Abraham, all that is required of us is faithfulness to the call and openness to the surprises God provides. Today’s practice is to reflect on times when God seemed to call you to something that did not work out as you hoped. Ask yourself: where might the “ram caught in the thicket” be hidden in your own life? Offer your faithfulness and honesty, and be willing to follow God in a new direction.

## Prayer for Faithful Eyes

God of faithfulness, keep my eyes wide open as I strive to follow You faithfully. Amen.

*When we remain faithful to God’s call, even in the face of uncertainty, He provides the unexpected means to fulfill His will.*