Fear of the Three "S" Words

In an Aramaic translation of the Hebrew Bible, Genesis 22:1-2 is translated as saying not just that God tested Abraham by calling him to offer Isaac as a burnt offering, but that this was preceded by an argument between Isaac and Ishmael about who should be their father Abraham's heir.

Ishmael says "I'm his firstborn, so I should inherit."

Isaac counters by claiming priority as the son of Abraham's wife Sarah, while Ishmael is merely the son of Sarah's maid.

Ishmael comes back with the argument that he is more righteous because he was circumcised at the age of 13 when he was old enough to resist if he had chosen to do so, but that Isaac was circumcised at eight days old and probably would have refused if he had been older.

Then Isaac tells his half-brother Ishmael, "I am 36 years old and if God requires all my body parts right now, I will give them up to Him." Only after Isaac's declaration of surrender to God does God then test both Abraham and Isaac by commanding Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, seemingly the greatest gift God has given him, as a burnt offering. 

Exploring this one story from our common ancestor Abraham's immediate family helps us to appreciate the strength it takes to face the fear induced in the hearts of believers and unbelievers alike when reminded of our obligations to obey any one of the three "S" words: surrender, sacrifice, or submission.

What negative connotations to any of the three "S" words have for you?

In the next week, we'll look at these words one at a time.

(Photograph by Robert Aichinger)