Title Toward the Cross①-Mount Moria
Contents
This year marks the 30th anniversary of my preaching from the pulpit. At a Seoul banquet in April, I called a person who had been with me for 30 years and praised him for doing a good job. I think I preached the sermon about 13,000 times in the pulpit, but preparing for a sermon is still difficult. I believe that God will give you grace when you faithfully listen to me with love.( ) The sacrifice of Mount Moriah that I am going to talk about today exemplifies the sacrifice of Jesus on Mount Golgotha in the New Testament.( ) When we look at this incident, we learn that God asks for only one thing or things with precious meaning. In other words, there are times when we ask for something precious and precious that we cherish and love, not what is left behind.
① Offer your son, the only son you love, as a burnt offering
In verse 1 of today's text, God told Abraham to offer up your son, your only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering to test Abraham. It's a cruel request. The son of Abraham when he was 100 years old. How precious is your son? Isaac is Abraham's most precious heir, heir, and hope. It was everything in life. However, the command is to slaughter the son and offer it as a burnt offering. ( ) God gives us gifts. It grants success, honor, and wealth. But at times, he asks for the gifts he has given them back. He tells you to dedicate that success.( )
② The one who was crucified at Golgotha is the only begotten Son of God.
Now consider Jesus on the cross at Golgotha. Abraham's only son, Isaac, foreshadows Jesus Christ, the only Son of God. Isaac was Abraham's beloved son. Also, Christ is God's pleasing and beloved Son ( ). Shortly before his death, Isaac was replaced by a ram. Although Jesus Christ is the Son of God, when He died on the cross, He was replaced by the Lamb of God. ( ) The Lamb of God was crucified ( ) before many people went to the cross. You can tell that they were blind and poor people. But one day, when we go to the cross, God provides what we need through the cross and allows us to see human ideals.( )
③ Why does God require such a precious thing?
It is because you have given us something more precious. He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to us as the price for our sins. Think of Golgotha. There is no comparison with Mount Moriah. Abraham was tested, but God actually killed his son. ( ) God's pain. Have you ever thought of that deep agony? So, God asks us for something precious. He tells me to give my precious things and dedicate myself, and he asks for my life. He tells us to give our attention, and to focus on Jesus Christ. And he tells us to put God first. Mount Moria has the greatest sacrifice a human can make. Golgotha is the place where God made the greatest sacrifice possible. Lent is a season to respond to the voice of God who asks for precious things as we go to the cross. Amen.