by Pastor Douglas Brauner

The Critical Question

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”
Genesis 22:2 English Standard Version

Though I am not a student of great art, I enjoy the works of Rembrandt and his use of light. His works have impacted my photography as both painting and photography ask the same question, what is light doing? Light is always active, moving and changing the character of that on which it shines, and the absence of light is as important as its presence.

On a recent trip to Europe, I was able to stand in front of a studio copy of Rembrandt’s Sacrifice of Isaac, Saint Petersburg, Russia housing the original. A student of Rembrandt painted the picture before which I stood with Rembrandt adding the finishing touches.

I was (and still am) in awe.

Why would God ask Abraham to sacrifice the son of promise? God’s command to Abraham appears to stand against everything God is. This account is one of the greatest mysteries of Scripture, mysteries that will stand until Christ returns.

However, there is much for us to consider in this painting as Rembrandt captures the critical moment when Abraham draws his knife to kill his son and the angel prevents him. This is not only the decisive moment for Abraham but for you and me in our story of salvation.

Will Abraham be faithful to God’s Word even when that Word doesn’t make sense?

Will we be faithful to God’s Word even when that Word doesn’t make sense to us?

Will we hold on to the promise of forgiveness, life, and salvation in Jesus when the voice inside of us and voices outside of us say that we’re crazy? I invite you to join me in meditating on these questions in future devotions as we look deeper into Rembrandt’s interpretation of Abraham’s faith.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado