#194: 11th Hour

 

And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. Gen 22:13

Let us take a step back and read the 3 verses before this:

Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." He said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now, I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son from me." Gen 22:10-12

Sounds straight out of a Disney movie right? Just at the nick of time; salvation at the 11th hour. This is a story that is very well known. But every time I have heard this story being told, it is said from Abraham's standpoint. What if, perhaps, there is something to learn from Isaac?

This month we will be taking many studies to illustrate the beautiful exchange as a thematic illustration of our salvation experience as we meditate over the season of Easter.

This narrative has the cross at the centre of its structure. Just as Isaac's life was about to end, God stepped in, not just to prevent his death, but to provide a substitute; every time I reflect on this, I can sync with the young Isaac. That is the same way Jesus was offered up as a sin offering on my behalf. Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the wrath of God on me was satisfied; the just consequences of my rebellion against God was paid. But with respect to the timing, could salvation has come any sooner or later? Why did man have to wait till the 11th hour for salvation? This is what the bible has to say:

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Gal 4:4-5)

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (Rom 5:6)

The message is clear. it could not have been sooner or later. It was the right time.

Isaac must have thought: "could this not have happened earlier? - while we were still approaching the mountain? when we got separated from the servants at the foot of the mount? while my father was binding me up? why wait till now? why wait till the 11th hour?"

In the same way, we have a lot of questions: could God not have saved me earlier? did I have to lose my father? could God not have saved me during my undergraduate days? why did He have to wait till I birthed a child from a rape before He appeared to me? So many questions. Though the bible does not give specific answers to all these, we can deduce from the way that God has worked through scriptural narratives, especially in the all-important event of our common salvation in Christ. So, Just as Christ came at the right time, God saved us individually (we individually experienced salvation) at just the right time. It could not have been sooner or later. You cannot live the rest of your life in regret of not knowing God any sooner. What you have even done in the past does not disqualify you from being used by God.

In the same way, when we wait on God for specific promises that God has for us (including Christ's second coming), we can be sure that just at the right time, it will come to pass. Remember the admonition of Peter: the LORD is not slow to fulfil His promise as some count slowness (II Pet 3:9).

For yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay, but the just shall live by faith (Heb 10:37-38)

Maranatha!!!

As you reflect on the beautiful exchange on the cross of calvary, what hope does this bring to your life?

Comment and share with others if you were blessed by today's article. God bless you.

Suggested Song: Beautiful Exchange

Suggested Article: The Sacrifice