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Abraham's lotSunday, March 1, 2015
Genesis 22:1-18 Just as in any war-torn city, the residents often feel fear. But they are not so much afraid of each other as they are of military and other outside agencies. They mostly get along with each other. Unwelcome attacks usually do not come from within. Most of these men and women think of themselves as children of Abraham. The story of Abraham and Isaac is precious to all of them, no matter their personal faith. Abraham's faithfulness went beyond reason, beyond familial loyalty, beyond religion. He listened only to God. And what he heard, he did. His wife was more skeptical, with more questions, and sometimes she just laughed out loud. She was more like most of us. Abraham, on the other hand, left his comfortable home, followed the voice of God into no-man's land, and there prepared to kill his son with a knife and offer his body up to the heavens. If we have any sense, we know that's crazy. Who would let anyone do that to their son if they could stop him? Abraham is a pervert, a child-molester, a religious fanatic, a sociopath, a terrorist, a fool. He is insane and dangerous. He is on the FBI's Most Wanted List. His picture is in every post office. He is not long for this world. There is a reward on his head. But that's not how the story goes. And in the end Abraham is vindicated and told he will become the father of nations. So it was said, and so it was done. When horrible and terrifying events in Jerusalem end in death - all that awful, stupid, kneejerk foolish endless death - both Jesus and Abraham weep huge tears. Flowing down their cheeks. Sometimes their tears find their way to the faces of those left living, and those grief-stricken sobs become redemptive. As one day the killers become killed become killers suddenly stop killing, and listen like Abraham to God's messenger who says, "Do not lay your hand upon the boy. Do not do the least thing to him." O Lord, the death of your faithful ones is precious in your eyes. As you loose the bonds that tie us to the ethics of revenge and just war and "redemptive" violence, let us offer sacrifices of thanksgiving as we call on your name. O Lord, help us turn toward the peace that only you give. Only you sustain. Only you inhabit. |
The old city of Jerusalem consists of Jewish, Arab, Christian, and Armenian Quarters. People living here represent all three monotheistic religions, and there are plenty of other folks who no longer believe in any religion.