The Price of Obedience (Genesis 22:1-19, Romans 8:31b-34 and Mark 9:2-10)

The readings for the day remind me of an earlier post about the "rewards" of obedience. Moses promises his people prosperity if they obey God's commandments. Jesus' obedience on the other hand leads to the cross.


The contrast today is between Abraham and Jesus. Abraham is tested and is ordered to kill his beloved son. When Abraham passes the test, God promises him the following:


I will bless you abundantly
and make your descendants as countless
as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore;
your descendants shall take possession
of the gates of their enemies,
and in your descendants all the nations of the earth
shall find blessing.


Unlike Isaac, Jesus was not spared by his own father but was handed over and thus, was condemned to die. His reward came not in this lifetime but in the afterlife when he is raised from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father.


But the bottom line that seems to pervade the bible is the message of obedience. Whether it is Abraham who is asked to sacrifice his only son, or Jesus who is asked to give up his own life, regardless of outcome or reward, the bottom line is obedience.