Day 6: Vayera/Genesis 22:1-24

The Creator placed man into the Garden, then He fashioned from Adam’s own flesh a helpmate for him—Chavah. Adam was not created as an angel doing Elohim’s bidding or serving around the throne, nor was he fashioned with the innate inclination bent toward evil. Adam was brought forth as a soul capable of making decisions and choosing between right and wrong. Chavah, being from Adam’s own side, was created in like manner, with free will and abilities to make decisions. Their fall into sin was not a stench that has followed man ever since.

In stark contrast, the soothing aroma from Abraham’s and Isaac’s offering obviously did not come from Isaac’s untimely sacrifice as a olah/whole burnt offering. Isaac would not be the sacrifice needed to satiate for sin, even though he was found favorable because of Abraham’s faith. Moreover, the end all soothing aroma was not the ram caught in the thicket, which Elohim had provided for Himself. The ram was a suitable offering and certainly savoring as the aroma would have wafted up to heaven; yet, the sacrifice was still less appealing than the soothing aroma of Abraham’s yielded and contrite heart, which he presented to the Father. Abraham’s willingness to lose his own will and the life of his only son in obedience to the Creator granted much favor in the eyes of YHVH Yira/YHVH Who Provides.

Isaac would not have necessarily been a child during this altercation. After all, he knew about what could and could not be used for a whole burnt offering. Isaac was old enough to work hard and know the difference between good and evil. With this said, Abraham’s son was willing to die at the hands of his own father in obedience and in faith. In this instance, Abraham clearly represents Elohim, just as Isaac symbolizes Yeshua. Abraham asked of his son the unthinkable and Torah reveals nothing of struggle, terse words, or rebellion from Isaac. True to faithful servitude, Isaac freely carries his own burden up the mountain, foreshadowing Messiah as He would carry the burden of the cross-piece of death upon His shoulders climbing to Golgotha.

With knife and fire in hand, Abraham carried the judgment that would determine a future and posterity. He carried these with the knowledge that he was not in control. He had submitted control and his will over to Elohim. Isaac had done the same in that he did not struggle against ropes, his own will, or the flesh of his father. Like Yeshua, he willingly laid down his life for the sake of obedience.

Abraham had already been tested once with Ishmael. In sending his son away, he was told to follow through with complete separation, disregarding his own sadness. This time around, Abraham would have experienced deep sadness in sacrificing Isaac. Abraham had no reason to think Isaac would return down the mountain with him; however, he knew that Elohim was faithful to keep His Word. Isaac would be the seed through which all descendants were named. This would only give Abraham hope that Elohim was true to His promises and that, if need be, Isaac would be raised from the dead in order to accomplish the Covenantal work.

The times we live in are wreaked with choices. Every day, important decisions are made such as: what bills to pay, what to eat, how to provide for a family, how to manage our health, etc. All of these are of great importance; yet, none come close to the decision man, beginning with Adam and Chavah, are faced with and must fulfill properly in order to have life and a proper relationship with the Life-giver.

Choosing YHVH’s way over our own desires, thoughts, or wisdom is what marks Elohim’s people in contrast to those who choose to follow their sin nature or carnal will. Righteousness is a clear mark on YHVH’s elect as opposed to the rest of the nations of the earth. The nations may worship, feign obedience, and look and sound like they are pious. In the end, all knees will bow to the Great I Am. Some will begrudgingly humble themselves, while others—the seed of Abraham and Isaac— will they choose to worship YHVH because they love to do so. No matter how hard, no matter what the challenge or request, the true seed from Abraham does not question the outcome, but has faith that it will work and that the Master is faithful to everything Word He says.

Dwell upon Hebrews 11:1-6, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. … And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to YHVH must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”