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Genesis 22:1-14
What illustration could possibly compare to this? Isaac was Abraham's promise from God, and God called him to give it up. We know in hindsight it was just a test, but from Abraham's perspective there was no turning back. In his mind, his son was going to die. What is there that is so precious to us in this life that we could just give up on one command from God? Thankfully God hasn't called many of us to literally sacrifice our children for him, but if he did, could we do it?
Thankfully, God gave us the greatest illustration of this kind of sacrificial love when he sent his own Son to die for us on the cross. While Abraham was blessed to not have to see his son die, God himself saw his sacrifice through to the end.
Craig K.
Genesis 22:1-14
The very difficult story about God commanding Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac and then at the last minute providing another sacrifice has puzzled biblical scholars for generations. Leonard Sweet in his book Out of the Question, into the Mystery gives an explanation that I have not heard of before; a view that at least makes one reflect more intently on the passage.
Sweet bases his theory upon a Jewish midrashic interpretation that argues that God never wanted Abraham to kill Isaac and was hoping that Abraham would argue with God and ultimately refuse to carry out the directive.
Sweet sees Abraham filling out a two-part examination. He passes the Obedience test, the objective part of the exam. He was willing to obey God even though the command went against everything he knew about God. But in the essay part of the exam, God expected Abraham to plead his case for Isaac.
Richard H.
Romans 6:12-23
Las Vegas is embracing its original ties to organized crime by opening a $42 million museum called the "Mob Experience." There one can view Bugsy Siegel's pistol. A part of the wall from the St. Valentine's massacre will be on display, as well as the barber chair where Albert Anastasia's life came to an end in 1957. Mayor Oscar Goodman says of the museum, "This is the story of America."
Paul wrote, "So what advantage did you then get from the things of which you are now ashamed?" It would seem the community leaders of Las Vegas have no shame about the mob and the death and havoc that submerged the city they once controlled. It would seem the civic leaders need to be "converted" and put away that of which all of us should be ashamed.
Ron L.
Romans 6:12-23
It is important to have a good boss. A good boss makes sure you are treated fairly. A good boss makes sure you have constructive work to do, makes sure you have work appropriate for your skills and ability, makes sure that the paychecks are paid and the office is open and things are running smoothly. Effective leadership is one of the most important parts of effective business. A bad boss, on the other hand, is a different story. A bad boss is lazy about paychecks. He spends more time taking personal company lunches than reviewing employee performance. A bad boss puts himself first, his company second, and his employees last. Who do you want to work for?
Leah T.
Mathew 10:40-42
The Didache or Teaching of the Twelve Apostles was an important Christian manual that described the church's organization of the early second century. In this document traveling apostles and prophets are mentioned as well as resident bishops and deacons. The manual instructs Christians to honor such spiritual leaders and prescribes ways to welcome them when they come. Furthermore, they are told how to distinguish true from false spiritual leaders.
"Now about the apostles and prophets: Act in line with the gospel precept. Welcome every apostle on arriving as if he were the Lord. But he must not stay beyond one day. In case of necessity, however, the next day too. If he stays three days, he is a false prophet. On departing, an apostle must not accept anything save sufficient food to carry him till his next lodging. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet."
Richard H.
Matthew 10:40-42
In countries still loyal to the British crown -- countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand -- Queen Elizabeth II is represented by a Governor-General. This individual is appointed by the Queen to represent her in matters of state. In Canada, for example, the Governor-General signs all Acts of Parliament into law. This individual is treated with all the decorum and respect given to the British monarch. This person essentially carries the weight of the monarchy in their country.
We as Christians represent the king of heaven here on earth. When people see us, they should see Christ: "Whoever receives you receives me" (v. 40).
Craig K.
What illustration could possibly compare to this? Isaac was Abraham's promise from God, and God called him to give it up. We know in hindsight it was just a test, but from Abraham's perspective there was no turning back. In his mind, his son was going to die. What is there that is so precious to us in this life that we could just give up on one command from God? Thankfully God hasn't called many of us to literally sacrifice our children for him, but if he did, could we do it?
Thankfully, God gave us the greatest illustration of this kind of sacrificial love when he sent his own Son to die for us on the cross. While Abraham was blessed to not have to see his son die, God himself saw his sacrifice through to the end.
Craig K.
Genesis 22:1-14
The very difficult story about God commanding Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac and then at the last minute providing another sacrifice has puzzled biblical scholars for generations. Leonard Sweet in his book Out of the Question, into the Mystery gives an explanation that I have not heard of before; a view that at least makes one reflect more intently on the passage.
Sweet bases his theory upon a Jewish midrashic interpretation that argues that God never wanted Abraham to kill Isaac and was hoping that Abraham would argue with God and ultimately refuse to carry out the directive.
Sweet sees Abraham filling out a two-part examination. He passes the Obedience test, the objective part of the exam. He was willing to obey God even though the command went against everything he knew about God. But in the essay part of the exam, God expected Abraham to plead his case for Isaac.
Richard H.
Romans 6:12-23
Las Vegas is embracing its original ties to organized crime by opening a $42 million museum called the "Mob Experience." There one can view Bugsy Siegel's pistol. A part of the wall from the St. Valentine's massacre will be on display, as well as the barber chair where Albert Anastasia's life came to an end in 1957. Mayor Oscar Goodman says of the museum, "This is the story of America."
Paul wrote, "So what advantage did you then get from the things of which you are now ashamed?" It would seem the community leaders of Las Vegas have no shame about the mob and the death and havoc that submerged the city they once controlled. It would seem the civic leaders need to be "converted" and put away that of which all of us should be ashamed.
Ron L.
Romans 6:12-23
It is important to have a good boss. A good boss makes sure you are treated fairly. A good boss makes sure you have constructive work to do, makes sure you have work appropriate for your skills and ability, makes sure that the paychecks are paid and the office is open and things are running smoothly. Effective leadership is one of the most important parts of effective business. A bad boss, on the other hand, is a different story. A bad boss is lazy about paychecks. He spends more time taking personal company lunches than reviewing employee performance. A bad boss puts himself first, his company second, and his employees last. Who do you want to work for?
Leah T.
Mathew 10:40-42
The Didache or Teaching of the Twelve Apostles was an important Christian manual that described the church's organization of the early second century. In this document traveling apostles and prophets are mentioned as well as resident bishops and deacons. The manual instructs Christians to honor such spiritual leaders and prescribes ways to welcome them when they come. Furthermore, they are told how to distinguish true from false spiritual leaders.
"Now about the apostles and prophets: Act in line with the gospel precept. Welcome every apostle on arriving as if he were the Lord. But he must not stay beyond one day. In case of necessity, however, the next day too. If he stays three days, he is a false prophet. On departing, an apostle must not accept anything save sufficient food to carry him till his next lodging. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet."
Richard H.
Matthew 10:40-42
In countries still loyal to the British crown -- countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand -- Queen Elizabeth II is represented by a Governor-General. This individual is appointed by the Queen to represent her in matters of state. In Canada, for example, the Governor-General signs all Acts of Parliament into law. This individual is treated with all the decorum and respect given to the British monarch. This person essentially carries the weight of the monarchy in their country.
We as Christians represent the king of heaven here on earth. When people see us, they should see Christ: "Whoever receives you receives me" (v. 40).
Craig K.
