Father's Sacrifice

How can I slay my Isaac, my own son? Shall I put an end to joy? Shall I kill all laughter? Shall I take the life of my life? I shall. For it is the command of the Most High God. My Sarah, will you understand?
    Shall I tell you this now, or leave you sleeping? And when you arise, my love, your son and I will be gone. Ah, your eyelids have begun to flutter open softly, like butterfly wings upon your cheeks. (Lord, spare me at least this pain, for I cannot bear to see her eyes filled with sorrow. So I will tell her simply;) “Your son and I are off to the mountain to make our sacrifice to God. I will return… “Goodbye, my love, my Sarah.”
    The morning light is alive upon the mountain, my son. All is of God and by Him forever. Life and death by His command. No, I never question. Never.
    Try to understand, my son, and we shall both be willing. The end of life is only the beginning - if we believe. Now with my own life bound before me, and seeing all your trust in me disappear; I would rather have your trust be in God, my son, for I am just a man. It is God who will provide for man.
    Do you see, my son? Over there! It is faith that provides,for the Angel has staid my hand!Look there! A ram is tangled in the bushes!It is God who provides the Lamb!
And now the bound are set free as we travel from thismountain. But still the thought lies heavy on my heart;how would it have felt to leave a son behind to die upon somelonely mountain? I will dwell in thanks and praise for the life that walks beside me. For the sacrifice belongs to God – and by His grace we are saved.

copyright 1996 by H.D. Shively