Genesis 22 A Lamb for an offering

When God asks us to sacrifice, he always provides a lamb in the bushes.

It's been a long week for me. A week of second guessing myself and choosing direction.  A week of travel, meetings, and family time that has caused me to wonder why I read and ponder and study the scriptures the way I do.  Why am I on this scripture journey? And that led me to consider if Abraham ever wondered why his love for God had brought him to the place where he was willing to listen to obedience and love for God over ethical reason, over family security?  His faith was so sure that he didn't know how God would answer his pleas, but he knew he had to obey, and that his answer would come in and through his obedience. In practicing obedience he would find the answers and understanding of God's law that he longed for.  God had kept his promise before, why would God forsake him now? He didn't know where the Lamb for an offering would come from, but surely as he prepared and did all that God required of him, he knew that the lamb would be there. He trusted God. And in trusting God, he learned to trust himself. God knew how Abraham would respond. The test was for Abraham to learn how Abraham would respond. 

Concerning Abraham, President Hugh B. Brown said,  

"God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac because "Abraham needed to learn something about Abraham" (in Truman G. Madsen, The Highest in Us [1978], 49). 

Elder George Q. Cannon spoke about Abraham in the April 1899 Conference. He said: 

“Why did the Lord ask such things of Abraham? Because, knowing what his future would be and that he would be the father of an innumerable posterity, he was determined to test him. God did not do this for His own sake; for He knew by His foreknowledge what Abraham would do; but the purpose was to impress upon Abraham a lesson, and to enable him to attain unto knowledge that he could not obtain in any other way. That is why God tries all of us. It is not for His own knowledge; for He knows all things beforehand. He knows all your lives and everything you will do. But He tries us for our own good, that we may know ourselves. ... He required Abraham to submit to this trial because He intended to give him glory, exaltation and honor; He intended to make him a king and a priest, to share with Himself the glory, power and dominion which He exercised” (GeorgeQ. Cannon, in Conference Report, Apr. 1899, 66).

Sometimes it feels like when I sit down to write I am listening to obedience over reason. I don't have a clue how many people I am reaching?   Do my words matter? Is it a wise use of my time, my faith? But I know, like Abraham,  that God is reaching me: one person, one mother, one daughter, one sister, one grandmother, one handmaiden of the Lord, one family.  When there are so many other things I can with my time I wonder why I write so deeply about what I learn? The beauty is that every time I write... every time I am obedient to the promptings to analyze and present my thoughts on the scriptures, I find "a lamb" in the bushes, some surprise that God has prepared for me that I would not have seen if I had chosen to disobey. Usually it comes in a learned principal that raises my spirit up, or stabilizes the ground I stand on. Or it might teach me a new perspective that becomes imperative in my own families peril of survival, but not always. Sometimes it merely brings me peace. A peace that I am certain Abraham felt when he realized where his loyalties lay and the rewards that his faith would bring him and all of his likewise obedient progeny. 

The sister missionaries in my daughters mission

I have a daughter who is currently on a mission for our church. Her leaders have kept a mission blog and I read it from time to time. Tonight when I read through it I was amazed at how much sacrifice is given by each missionary and by each leader. There is one photo of the mission president and his wife washing dishes. Mission Presidents come from all walks of life: wealthy, poor, educated, not so educated, successful businessmen, farmers, sportsmen, educators, etc. When they come to serve the Lord they come to serve. The only prerequisite they need is a willing heart to sacrifice what or whom they love so that others can learn and feel of God's love.  Fortunately the law of blood sacrifice passed with the atonement by Jesus Christ. God now proves us by asking us to present our willingness to serve and love one another. It starts in our family with our spouse, our children, our parents and then moves to our neighbors our church community, our school or city of residence. We are asked to forsake selfish pleasures and desires for the welfare of something larger than ourself.  When we do this we find .... our own joys.  But mostly.. we find ourself. We discover what we hold dear. Each choice to serve and obey defines us. It draws us into the circle of God's love. 




It's not because God needs to know who we are and what we are capable of, it's because like Abraham who was given a commandment to sacrifice the very thing he had lived his entire life for, the very promise that God had given him, we are brought to our own personal trials so that we too might know where our loyalties and our joys lie. 


I have found that when I read and contemplate the scriptures each week, I am able to make my relationship with him more active. No longer am I a passive receiver of words.  By writing what I learn the lessons become imprinted on my heart and act as a guiding star in my daily decisions. How often have I considered Sarah and Abraham and their love for one another, their epic story of love, fidelity, faith, and what they sacrificed for me so that I might have a higher understanding of God's law. How grateful I am to my friend who challenged me a year ago to read Genesis. Never in my wild imaginations could I have conceived how profoundly this book of holy scripture would forever change me. By making a consistent effort to commit to feast on his words I have found great peace and comfort in my trials. I have learned to let anxiety pass me by and understood better what it means to trust in the Lord with all my heart, might, mind and strength. I have not known fewer trials, but I have had the strength to use my trials as stepping stones. And isn't it true that with each trial we face if we don't make it into a stepping stone, it becomes a stumbling stone that stresses us and causes us to loose our way. 

Concerning the stress and trials that Abraham went through to discover these truths Elder Neal A. Maxwell  said our lives “cannot be both faith-filled and stress-free....

“Therefore, how can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy!” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1991, 117; or Ensign, May 1991, 88 ).

Most focus in Genesis 22 is on  the fact that he is offering his son, that he has ignored the moral law of not killing your own, that it goes against everything God had taught him, or that it is just so horrible to consider that he would give his son. We focus on Isaac and his grief and pain. Abraham's sacrifice is hard to consider because Abraham's trial is our own. It is why we have a hard time pondering it. It is the sacrifice we forsake to serve another, to stand as a witness, to show God and ourself that the love within us is the love we believe it is. 

2 Timothy 4 ( Preach the word)

Elder Robert Shaw and his companion with fellow saints in the 

Angeles, Philippines Mission 2002-2004

In May of 2002, my son Robert left the United States for the Philippines. He took Paul's charge to Timothy to "preach the word".(2)  He took to heart and chose to serve two years preaching, so that like Paul, he could work to thwart the turning away of honest ears from the truth(4). He worked to keep the truth from turning "into  fables"(4). 

As I read Paul's words to Timothy this second time before he is brought before Nero(footnote), I could hear in his plea a sense of for-longing for his missionary companions that forsook their mission of Christ for "this present world"(10-15) I could hear his faith resounding in his words of hope that reminded himself and Timothy of the "crown of righteousness"(8) that awaits those who "reprove, rebuke and exhort with long-suffering and doctrine"(2). 

I thought of the visit that my husband and I paid to our son at the close of his mission. He introduced us to all of his dear friends that he had taught and loved. I remembered the sacrifices and the lives that he saw changed as he helped those who "withstood  words"(15)  learn how to "endure sound doctrine"(3). 

Serving a mission for Christ is not an easy choice. It requires learning how to "do the work"(v5) and an ever watching "in all things"( 5). Paul prepares Timothy and all who choose to serve that you will need to learn how to "endure afflictions"(5) and work to "make full-proof of they ministry" (5), or finish the work. It requires learning how to separate "lusts" from "love", to put a stop to "itching ears", and how to say like Paul with conviction, "I have kept the faith" (vs 7). 

     My son learned to love his companions as well as those whom he taught. While there we met the Go family, whose son was an endeared companion of our son. From Elder Go, my son learned the nuances of the  Philippine culture, the Tagalog language, how to prepare the food, and so many life long lessons that only Elder Go would be able to teach him. From the people of the Philippines my son learned humility, grace, strength, and what it means to live on faith. He saw lives changed, covenants made, and the light of hope take refuge within the eyes of those who believed in Christ. 

While in the Philippines, he built great friendships with other missionaries who supported and did the work "diligently"( 9). But I believe the greatest relationship that he or anyone who embarks on this course is with our Savior. Paul speaks of how though so many of his companions had forsaken him while he was in prision, he still was able to pray that it "will not be laid to their charge"(16). But mostly he learned that "the Lord stood with me", and the Lord "strengthened me"(17). 

Now as our son has returned and as many of us have gone on with our lives "in this present world", it is Paul's hope that Timothy and all of those who serve God, will understand that in serving we are promised to be "delivered from every evil work"(18).  We are promised our "heavenly kingdom"  where Christ Jesus will reign in glory "for ever and ever." It is here that we must learn to forsake the present world and seek that truth that Paul suffered for. 

Paul had a mission to teach to the Gentiles, "that the Gentiles might here". 

Each of us has a mission, "a charge" to "be instant in the season" and not let the truth pass us by. 

Today I will ponder what is my charge? Is it not to do as Paul did and preach and endure sound doctrine? 

 Breakdown of verses 

1-2 - Paul charges to preach the word 

3-5  He speaks of an upcoming apostasy where men will seek after their own lusts 

6-7  Reconciliation for his fight 

8-9 Reward

10-15 Lonliness Loyalty, forsaken 

15- Enemy 

16- Alone 

17- 18 Lord's Support

19-22 Directions 

Growing up unto the Lord (Helaman 3: 19-22)

Grow up unto the Lord

Helaman 3: 19-22

In 2004, we had the opportunity to visit the Philippines to retrieve our son who was serving a two-year missionary service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our son (Lacrosse-Guy) wanted to share with us the sights, sounds, feelings and tender hearts he had experienced on his mission. We agreed to fly there and tour the area(s) he served in. He would thin return with us to the states finishing his service time of two years.

For several days he drove us through the top tourist spots and the beautiful surroundings areas around the city of Angeles. My husband and I took in the sights, sounds, politics, and as much of the Philippines culture as we could squeeze into our whirlwind trip. The Philippines are a set of beautiful tropical islands filled with an amazing history and an amazing people. All of our visit left a lasting impression upon my heart. Of all that we saw and visited though, it was the tender-hearts of the members our son had helped teach and convert that caused me to pause and reflect, on how my son had truly "grown up unto the Lord."

My husband had not served a mission. In this respect, my son did not see an example in his father or grandfather (either side) for him to follow. His grandfather did serve a couple's mission, but not a young adult mission. Why then did he want to give two years of his life to help others learn the truths of the Lord’s Gospel?
When he took us to the home of the Relief Society president who was coincidentally also the ward organist and wife of the Bishop, I was touched. Not because of their home’s humble and meager circumstances (cinder block and tin roof) but because of their love for my son. They cried with joy when we arrived. They shared a special meal with us, showed us their electric organ,(used to help her learn music for R.Society) and did their best to honor and respect our visit so that we might feel of the great love they had for our son. This scene was repeated numerous times during our visit. He had served those he taught well. He had learned to love as the Savior loves, deeply. I could see that his heart was breaking when he thought of never seeing these people again. For he had developed a great respect and friendship with so many of them.

What had happened to prepare our son? How was it that he was able to "grow up unto the Lord" as Helaman's sons Nephi and Lehi? Just as the time that Helaman ruled, when there was contention in the land, our home was far from perfect. We have known great contention, difficulties and stress. So what had come together to give our son the faith he needed to serve others with a selfless love of the Savior?

I believe it wasn't because we did everything right. I believe it was because we tried to do everything right. That is all we could hope for. Like Helaman who tried to serve with "justice and equity", as his parents we did our best to raise our family with justice and equity. Like Helaman who "looked to the standards (statutes), and judgments, and commandments of God, we too looked to God for answers when we didn't understand the complexity of our own lives.

Our son set high standards for his life and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He served as a priest in his Priest Quorum at church, blessing the sacrament and taking it to those who were unable to attend meetings. He set goals, achieved high grades, and learned the computer sciences. He loved his sisters, and helped his friends reach their goals. He played sports that taught him the value of team building, rules, and sportsmanship. He did many secular things to prepare him.

But I believe, the most important thing was that attended early morning seminary where he learned with other youth his age to love the word of God, to listen to the spirit that guides, and to want to understand the workings of God in his life.

He was not perfect. There were many trials in his young life that might have thwarted his desire to serve, but his faith held strong.

Today our Lacrosse-son is a leader in his community. He sets a good example for young boys that he coaches and he helps gather community support for the organization of Lacrosse. He is a wonderful brother to his siblings and has worked hard to pass his professional exams. And like our visit to the land where he served God, all of these accomplishments pale in existence to his willingness to remain true and faithful to what he believes. He continues to serve and strive to live a life that helps others.

If it sounds like I am proud of him, I am. He is a good example of a young boy who was taught "in the way that he should go" and then chose to follow the path that God prepared for him. He brings such great joy to my heart. He brings calm peace to my heart. Not because he has finished college, not because he is and will be a successful business man, but because he has grown up unto the Lord and has learned to have a joyful, loving heart that loves to serve others.

He truly is an example of what it means to "grow up unto the Lord".

Words and Phrases

vs. 19 great contention in the land - I wanted to point out that there can be contention in the land and still have people and family who are doing all that is right. As the verses continue, we see that the contention begins to subside. I see a direct correlation between the ability to focus on God's word and the amount of contention a family might go through.

vs. 20 justice and equity - this was accomplished by 5 things

a. observe (look) to keep the standards - when you don't get to do what you want, (or your child doesn't) look to the standards and use them as your guide. I remember times when my son wanted me to cave in and let him do what he wanted. I told him..in our house we serve the Lord.

b. try to understand the judgements of God ... we don't always understand the why's of our life, but if we have faith we can find peace in knowing that God does what is best for us.

c. know and keep the commandments of God. - I was impressed with my son this past week. He had a plane to catch, he could have skipped church, but he chose to attend. He knows how to lead and keep the commandments.

d. did do...... what? that which was right. It's hard to do what is right all the time, but we can try.

e. example.. of his father. ... a family.. affair. For those of us who don't have a family example to follow, we have the saviors, the ones that can rescue us by giving us a good example when our family cannot. This is why we attend church. Not only to rub shoulders with those that serve God, but to get and be examples of God's love.

vs 22 they began to grow up unto the Lord - With Helaman as a righteous leader and example, how could they not? But Alma had a son who did not, so we know that it is possible. But I really love this phrase. As a parent, I want to always raise my children so that they grown up unto the Lord. This is not so strange.. People raise their children unto ??? ... baseball, music, math, sports, apprenticeships for their business. We all raise our children to something.. if we don't choose to raise them to the Lord, then they will be raised to the world.

vs 22 contentions began to cease - When we strive to keep the commandments of God, to understand his judgements, we find peace. Peace is not found in the fast pace, selfish, man eat man world. The world teaches every man for himself. God teaches help everyman and you will help yourself. When we learn to help others, others help us and our contentions begin to cease. When we learn to understand the true meaning of contentment, we find we have little need for contention.