THE COST OF SIN

THE COST OF SIN

Daily Reading: Gen 22:9-23:20; Mat 7:13-29

So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided."

It’s a revolting scene here in Gen. 22: a father standing over his only son with knife in hand, ready to offer him as a burnt sacrifice. God had told Abraham to take his only son to this mountain, to meet with God and then to sacrifice him to God. What kind of God would ask a man to do this? The picture of a young lad looking up at the Daddy he had loved all his life, eyes wide with terror, glancing at the knife then back to his father. His eyes communicating more than his mouth could even speak, “Why would you do this to me?”

It was a test of devotion. Only a test. But Abraham didn’t know that as he walked with the young Isaac toward the top of Mt. Moriah. And now the wood has been stacked, the lad has been restrained. The coals are ready. The knife is in hand. And just before the knife swings down to snatch the breath of life from this Hebrew boy, the voice speaks again,  

“Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”

The devotion test was over. Abraham breathed again, wiped his eyes and cut his son loose. Did Isaac hear the voice as well? I don’t know. I hope he did. The main thing is that Abraham passed the test and now the boy would live. 

Then there’s the sound of a ram, caught by his horns in thick brush. God provided His own burnt offering. Isaac was spared. And so was the heartbreak of an old man with one son.  

You and I have been spared as well. On a cross not so far from where Abraham was tested, God the Father took His only Son, Jesus, and laid him down, restrained not by ropes but by nails. Tortured by Roman soldiers, mocked by religious Pharisees, God’s only Son was offered by God Himself. And the echoes of Abraham’s voice ring through the centuries, “God will provide for Himself the lamb” (Gen 22.8). But this time, as the Son looked up to His Father and begged the question, “God why have you forsaken me?” and terror filled his soul, there was no last-minute reprieve. The knife was not withheld. The spear in His side was not restrained. This Son was not delivered from this revolting scene. The Lamb was slain. 

So as we approach our heavenly Father today, let us be careful when we demand answers to questions like, “Father, do you really love me?” Or, “Father, how do I know that I’m forgiven and I belong to You?” And let us be quick to repent and slow to sin. Let us not say, “Sin isn’t such a big deal. Everyone does it.” Your sin and my sin is costly. And let us be grateful, “God has provided for Himself the Lamb.”  

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for the way I have minimized my sins. Forgive me for when I have looked at the cross and still said, “I’m not sure if You love me.” I rest in the truth that You provided the sacrifice for my sins in the offering of Your only Son, Jesus. His sacrifice has paid for my sins. Forever, I am loved. Forever, I’m forgiven.