Genesis 21:22-24:27

As a younger man, I experienced the story of the sacrifice of Isaac from the perspective of Isaac.  I was afraid, horrified, traumatized by the story.  How could God have asked such a thing?  As a father, I experience it now from Abraham's perspective--but it no less horrifying. If the lesson is obedience to God above everything else, I am afraid I would disappoint. Could I see giving my own life for God?  I could conceive it.  But I cannot conceive taking my own child's life for anything--even God. What must Abraham have been thinking during that long three day journey by donkey to the place of sacrifice?  How filled with dread he must have been!  Two other quick points. There are many aspects of this story that foreshadow Christ's life and God the Father's sacrifice in giving us his Son. Perhaps the point of this story, for me at least, is to remind me what an awesome sacrifice that was.  Lastly, I love Abimelech's statement to Abraham: "God is with you in everything you do."  There are few other sentences that sum up the Christian life better than that. If only I could recognize His presence as I make my way through each day!