​Archetype. Scripture, reflection and thanksgiving.

Genesis 22:15-18 "The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
Reflection. Whatever you think of a God who would ask a father to offer child sacrifice is a mute point as we prepare for Christmas. Abraham is an archetype.
God knew for eternity that His only son was going to die a sacrificial death. Imagine knowing that about your own child for eternity. Your child begotten not made. I cannot bring myself to imagine the death of my kids. To go there hurts too much. For you and me, God went there. He lived it for us. It was not a thought experiment. Abraham was obedient and we are numbered among the blessed because of his faithfulness. That's part of what Christmas is about.
Thanksgiving. Loving Almighty God, thank you for Jesus. Amen.