February 27, 1998

Genesis 22: 1-18

The Grace of God

This passage strikes terror in a mother's heart. I wonder if Sarah knew where Abraham was taking their beloved son and what he planned to do with him once they arrived. I suspect not. Sarah never had quite the faith that Abraham did. She was a skeptic. Remember, she laughed when she learned that in her old age she would bear a child. Wanting to be in control was also a characteristic of Sarah. She was utterly ruthless to her maid Hagar. Sarah's treatment of Hagar grew first out of her impatience with God and then with her jealousy of Hagar. So, it is highly unlikely that Sarah would have shared Abraham's faith or courage in taking their son to the mountain. More likely, in her anguish she would have railed fiercely against God.

We tend to be more like Sarah than Abraham. We doubt, we question, we challenge God's will. Thankfully, God is unceasingly gracious and understanding of our failings. Despite their differences God blessed both Abraham and Sarah. We can take heart in that. Despite our shortcomings, as long as we believe, God will be with us, as he was with Sarah.

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Prayer: Patient Lord, Sometimes we don't try very hard to trust you, honor you or serve you. Wondrously, you look beyond all our imperfections and continue to bless us. Forgive us when we fail you and help us seek to mirror the life of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen. [Yesterday |Lenten Index | Tomorrow]