The Akedah – Life’s Greatest Test

The Akedah – Life’s Greatest Test

Dear Crosswalkers,
In our series, Heroes By Faith, we come this Sunday to the Greatest Test of Faith in the entire Bible.  Historically, it has been known as The Akedah.  Akedah is the Hebrew word which means “to bind” or “to tie up.”  It is used in Genesis 22:9 of Abraham binding Isaac to offer him as a sacrifice to God, in obedience to the divine command.  According to the story, Abraham sets out to obey God’s instructions without questioning.  This is significant because earlier, when God was going to destroy Sodom, Abraham questioned God relentlessly!  Now, he simply trusts.  After Isaac is tied to an altar on Mt. Moriah, the angel of God stops Abraham from going through with the sacrifice.  Then Abraham discovers a ram caught in some nearby bushes, which sacrifices the ram in Isaac’s stead.

This is one of the greatest acts of faith of all time.  Yet it is a tremendously controversial passage.  Rabbi Yosef Ibn Caspi, who lived in Spain, early in the 14th century wrote what many hope to believe, namely that Abraham’s “imagination” ran away with him, and fooled him into believing that he had been commanded to sacrifice his son. “How could God command such a revolting thing?” asked the rabbi!   We will see how and why this Sunday!

Love in Jesus,

Pastor John Christie

UPDATE ON FACILITY NEED – CAN YOU HELP?
I have written about the great need to repair and resurface our parking lot as it is a liablilty issue.  The tree roots have broken through and created a significant trip hazard.  We would hate to have anyone fall in our parking lot and hurt themselves.  We have received 4 of 5 bids for the job, and basically the cost will be $19,000 to do what is minimally needed, and $30,000 to do the complete job including repairing the cement curbs.  Obviously, we would like to do all we can.

These are troubled times, financially.  Crosswalk Church is feeling the pinch, just like many of you are.  But if you can help with a SPECIAL GIFT at this time, it would be most appreciated and it would greatly benefit our ministy to our own family as well as guests.  We want to be a safe environment for everyone who sets foot on our campus!

IF YOU CAN HELP WITH THIS PROJECT, PLEASE EARMARK YOUR CHECK OR YOUR ONLINE GIFT (at crosswalkchurch.com) “Parking Lot” and we will put it to good use.  Many thanks to those who have already contributed!