My Thoughts on A Father Offers His Son by Scott LaPierre

Many years ago, I read Genesis 22 for the first time and when I read the story of Abraham and Isaac I couldn't understand why God would ask Abraham to sacrifice his young son; I certainly couldn't imagine how Abraham would even consider doing it. However, in my growth as a Christian and after reading Scott LaPierre's thoughts on this scripture, I now know that Abraham's test was to help us understand the depth of God's love for mankind as He sacrificed His own son. "A Father Offers His Son: The True and Greater Sacrifice Revealed Through Abraham and Isaac" is a discussion of Abraham and Isaac but ultimately, it reminds us of the wonderful story of God the Father and His sacrifice of His son Jesus.

Author LaPierre talks about Isaac and Jesus both being only begotten sons and he explains that God's frequent use of the term "begotten son" in scripture was His way of using repetition to show emphasis. Isaac wasn't Abraham's only son but that is how he is referred to in Genesis 22:2. Jesus, of course, was mentioned as God's only Son many times and as "his only begotten son" in the beloved Bible verse John 3:16.

This book also mentions many other similarities between the son Isaac and the son Jesus. Both of their names were chosen by God, they both silently accepted what was to take place and they were willing to obey their fathers.

There are 74 pages in "A Father Offers His Son" and they are filled with many thought-provoking statements. I appreciate that the author offers many scriptural references to support these statements and that he also offers questions at the end of each chapter to help us in our understanding. There is also one chapter that especially caught my attention and it is Chapter 7. I consider it as a "how-to" chapter on how to truly serve God through Abraham's example. LaPierre states that

1. Abraham was ready to obey 
2. Abraham obeyed God when it didn't make sense
3. Abraham did not delay obeying
4. Abraham would not let anyone interfere with him obeying
5. Abraham understood that obedience is worship
6. Abraham trusted God
7. Abraham's obedience showed his fear of God.

Isn't this what we all should strive to do?

I consider this book to be a worthy addition to both my personal collection and our church library and I strongly recommend it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.