Why is this story even in the Bible? It certainly does not show Abraham as an example of Faith. It is one of the oddest stories in Genesis, but it has a powerful and encouraging message for us.
Because our parents were imperfect, we can have problems with God as a parent figure. It is so important to correct this so that we can experience the intimacy and security that the Father offers us.
God sometimes uses the language of a mother to describe how he relates to us. There are beautiful scriptures where he tells us how he sees us, hears our cry and deeply cares for us, using mother imagery.
We already knew that God is a God of power yet compassion, purity yet forgiveness, high above all but utterly faithful as a friend. But Jesus revealed something new, something shocking, something almost unbelievable, at the very core of the supreme being.
Through stories of how God relates to humans we learn of a different kind of love that is at the core of who God is. Chesed is utterly faithful, loyal to the very end, a love that will never let you go. When you understand it, there is no word that is more beautiful.
The most amazing promises of God being with people run through the Bible. If we can truly get hold of these promises and allow them to sink deeply into us, it will be a huge strength for us as we go into the New Year
