The Mountain of the LORD

The story of Abraham's almost-sacrifice of Isaac (or in some Muslim versions, Ishmael) on the mountain God chose has been a persistently difficult story for members of all three of the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam).  Would God ask for human sacrifice? Did Abraham hear wrong?  Is this a story about child abuse, and if so is it Abraham or God who is the child abuser.  And yet, despite the problems, it remains a story that has become quite central to the way all three religions tell our stories of how God relates to us. For Jews it has become a picture of Jewish martyrdom, a proof-text for God's mercy, and a clear indication that God forbids human sacrifice. (Reference)   For Christians, it is a picture and foretelling of Jesus' death on the cross (Reference)(Read more), and an example of faith (Hebrews 11:17-19; .  Muslims celebrate Abraham's submission to God on this day with Eid al-Adha.  

For myself, I find that at certain key turning points in my life, it has become necessary for me to offer back to God with open hands the thing that I have been hoping and dreaming and believing was God's promise.  That I have generally received back the thing that I offered does not take away from the fact that it was important to offer it, and that at the time of offering, there are no certainties, except that God will be faithful.  At these times in my life, the story about Abraham and Isaac on the Mountain of God has become very significant for me.  This song was written at one of those times, but before and after there were other crises where the story has had meaning.  I offer it here in the hopes that it will prove to be meaningful for others as well.

The Mountain of God

On the Mountain of the LORD

It will be provided--

All that You want me to give.

On the Mountain of the LORD

It will be provided--

The strength and the courage to live.

I'll go walking up that mountain

With my hopes and my dreams in my hand

I'll go walking up that mountain

Knowing You will allow me to stand.

Isaac was Abraham's deep delight

A hope that was too good to lose

And God spoke to Abraham in the night

Saying, "Come to the mountain I choose.

Will you lay down your son there?

Will you hand the child over to Me?

Will you give up His life there

As a sign that you're trusting in Me?"

Abraham left for the mountains that day

Leading his son by the hand

I think tears filled his eyes as he tried to pray

As he watched his dreams crumble to sand

He took wood and he took fire 

And he carefully guarded the knife

And he wondered how he'd do it--

Would You ask him to take his son's life?

Abraham knew that he had to do it

Whatever You asked him to do.

And somehow he knew You would see him through it

And still make your promises true

He bound Isaac to the altar

He was willing to go all the way

And then You sent an angel

You provided the ram there that day.

Now through faith, we're the children of Abraham

And sometimes we'll walk in his shoes.

I believe there are times we will hear Your voice calling

To come to the mountain you choose

To lay down there what we cherish

Without knowing just what we'll get back

We must trust that You are faithful

And that You will supply every lack.

On the Mountain of the LORD 

It will be provided--

All that You want me to give

On the Mountain of the LORD

It will be provided--

The strength and the courage to live

I'll go walking up that mountain

With my hopes and my dreams in my hand

I'll go walking up that mountain

Knowing You will allow me to stand.