As the Stars in the Heavens

 

Based on Genesis 22:1-19. Inspired by the poem "A Man from Ur" by Douglas Jones.

 

 

     Abraham woke up that morning before the sun rose. He went out to sharpen the knife. He was to go to a place God would show him, and there--there he was to sacrifice his son, Isaac. His own son; the son of promise. He felt sorrow, but also--what was it? Curiosity? Wonder, perhaps? It was a solemn moment, and yet--how could it be?--there was a smile upon his face he couldn't hide. 

 

     Abraham looked up into the sky. All the stars were out, almost as if they, like Abraham, waited to see what God would do. They seemed alive. They are countless. "So shall your descendants be..." God promised me. But if Isaac is to die, then how can it be so?  Suddenly, a vision appeared to him. It seemed he could see something there in the night sky. Something moving. Faces. People. Children, there among the stars. His children. He did not know their names. But they were all there. Moses, and Samuel, and just over there, King David. The apostles thundering the Word, and Paul firing letter-arrows into a dark world. And there was Augustine shining, and Constantine. Polycarp, and Cranmer, a myriad of martyrs with crowns of fire. There was Alfred the Great, and Charlemagne, Christian kings. So many knights and rulers, priests and scholars, from many nations, shining before Abraham's eyes. And over there, the poets and storytellers: Dante and Milton, and Shakespeare; Chesterton, Tolkien, and Lewis together, laughing and writing. And so many others.

 

     And... us. We are shining there among the stars, all of us, the Church. And even those beyond our time. For Christendom is the home of Abraham's children. But, greatest and brightest, there is One that outshines them all, and yet makes the others shine all the brighter. It is Jesus the Christ. Abraham rejoiced to see His day, and was glad.

 

     He smiled. Should I fear the sacrifice of this day? No. For there among the stars, Father Abraham could see one other face: the face of Isaac, the son of promise. Then, all at once, the vision was gone: but the stars were still there. Abraham was ready to go now, to the place God appointed; now, to see what would happen--but no. They must sleep, and rest before their journey.

 

     Three days later, Abraham looked up and saw the place from afar. Perhaps he had a final breath of fear, a touch of doubt. But he looked up beyond the place, and saw the stars. And he was reminded of God's promise. He said to his servant, "Stay here, and I and my son will go and worship. And then, we will return to you." Saint Abraham had the faith of hope, that God would fulfil His Promise. For when God has made a Promise to His People, not even death can stop it.