Theological Reflection on ABRAHAM II

Reflection: What is the importance of the story about Abraham offering Isaac as a sacrifice?

This question was posed for those studying the Old Testament in Year One of Education for Ministry (WK 9).

The Sacred Tools of Discernment indicated that the answer to this question may be obtained by reflecting on the primary influence of the tribe of ZEBULUN and the secondary influence of the tribe of ISSACHAR: Place + Work = Threshing Floor.

Goren (go’-ren) in Hebrew means the “threshing-floor.”

The text associated with Goren in the Hebrew Scriptures is associated with the story about Gideon and the sign of the fleece (see Judges 6:36-40).

This story appears in the Reaction section of the reflection cycle, which means that it was done as a test.

EXAMINATION

The first time Gideon sets up a test for YHWH, the answer is affirmative. This is the same for the faithfulness of Abraham.

CHANGES

The second time Gideon sets up the test; it is the reverse of the time before, and YHWH reverses the decision to sacrifice Isaac.

OUTCOME

The final outcome is a covenant promise for the descendants of Abraham through Isaac.

TODAY’S WORLD
Moral issues akin to Abraham prepared to kill his son for God is the moral issues regarding assisted suicide and harvesting organs of deceased persons for transplant. When is a person considered to be clinically dead: When the patient is brain dead, or when the heart stops: critical for successful organ transplant.

References:
See Bibliography: Sacred Tools of Discernment by Jonn Lavinnder

Theological Reflection on ABRAHAM I

Reflection: Further understanding on the importance of Abraham?

This question was posed for those studying the Old Testament in Year One of Education for Ministry (WK 8).

The Sacred Tools of Discernment indicated that the answer to this question may be obtained by reflecting on the primary influence of the tribe of LEVI and the secondary influence of the tribe of BENJAMIN: Sacred + Guard = Festival.

Chag (khag) in Hebrew is the name for a “festive gathering.”

The text associated with Chag in the Hebrew Scriptures is associated with the description of appointed Festivals (see Leviticus 23:33-44).

This story appears in the Action section of the reflection cycle, which means that it is ongoing. The inference we can draw from this is that festivals are a memorial of an important religious event.

REACTION

Festivals regarding Abraham may be different in different religions but there reason for their existence is similar.

EXAMINATION

There are three festivals regarding the Rock where Abraham was reported to obey the Lord in sacrificing his son. The Rock is Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which is a holy place for Jews, Muslims and Christians. The temple built by King Solomon was on that spot. In Judaism, during Rosh Hashanah, the story of Abraham and Isaac is recited. This same episode takes place in Islam, but with Ishmael as the sacrifice rather than Isaac, at “Id al-Adha,” the Feast of the Sacrifice. In Islam the Rock is also the place where Mohamed ascended to Paradise, where the Dome of the Rock stands today. For Christians the festival associated with the Rock is Easter, the day of Jesus resurrection: This time the sacrifice was God’s son. ⁽¹⁾

CHANGES
The three festivals take place during the holist times of each of the three religions.

OUTCOME

These three festivals remind Jews, Muslims and Christians of their connection with Abraham and with each other.

TODAY’S WORLD

Three of the greatest religions on earth today recognize a common Patriarch, Abraham: History’s first monotheist. God is One.

References:
1. “Abraham  ̶  A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths” by Bruce Feiler
See Bibliography: Sacred Tools of Discernment by Jonn Lavinnder

Theological Reflection on THE TOWER OF BABEL

Reflection: Further understanding on the meaning of the story of the Tower of Babel?

This question was posed for those studying the Old Testament in Year One of Education for Ministry (WK 7).

The Sacred Tools of Discernment indicated that the answer to this question may be obtained by reflecting on the primary influence of the tribe of SIMEON and the secondary influence of the tribe of ISSACHAR; that is,  Knowledge + Work = Understanding.

Binah (bee-naw’) in Hebrew signifies “discernment”, “truth” or “understanding.”

The text associated with Binah in the Hebrew Scriptures is associated with the story of Ezra summoning the people to obey the law (see Nehemiah 8:1-10).

This story appears in the Action section of the reflection cycle, which means that it is just beginning. The inference we can draw from this is that the story of the Tower of Babel is an ongoing saga.

REACTION

Traditionally, the Tower of Babel is another type of creation story explaining the reason why the world has multiple languages and not just one language. Nevertheless, in the text from Nehemiah, Ezra is reading the laws of Moses, which had been lost for many generations, to all who could understand. This signifies that communication and agreement through understanding the law is at the heart of the lesson to be learnt by all nations.

EXAMINATION

Ezra stands on a platform so all can see him. The Tower of Babel and the Twin Towers are similar in this respect. The Word Trade Centre in New York was not just the most conspicuous symbol of US capitalism, it was also intended to be a symbol of human unity and human greatness.

CHANGES

The terrorists flew the airplanes into the World Trade Center because it was the symbol of Babel, which was in the heart of Islamic Mesopotamia. Now, for all nations, 9/11 is a day to remember, similar to the day when Ezra read the law and the governor commented on its meaning: on 9/11 the Governor of New York, "Rudi" Giuliani, led the people from the towers out of the danger zone.

OUTCOME

In the story of Ezra he tells the people not to grieve for YHWH is their joy and their strength.

TODAY’S WORLD

This is the story of the many heroes who gave up their lives rescuing people trapped in the towers: may their sacrifice and courageous acts be remembered forever.

With respect to the law, new immigrants agree to follow the laws of the land when they swear allegiance to their new country. The laws of Moses can be found in almost every system of law throughout the world. In a multicultural country containing multi-faiths, communication, tolerance, and understanding are necessary for justice to be available to every citizen pursuing their God given right of freedom and happiness.

References:
See Bibliography: Sacred Tools of Discernment by Jonn Lavinnder