Wednesday, November 17, 2010

why celebrate aidiladha

"God presented him (Jesus) as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood."
Romans 3:25


Oh no, here you think, she's gonna preach at me again!


In the three weeks I've worked, today is the second public holiday I've encountered? I love Malaysia for its many public holidays. LOL.


Did you know Aidiladha is celebrated in remembrance of Abraham's faithfulness to the Lord that led him to (almost!) sacrifice his son, Isaac?

The story goes that God told Abraham to bring Isaac as a burnt sacrifice to him on Moriah mountain. As they walked up that mountain, Isaac, who was carrying the kindle (for the fire) asked his dad, "Dad, we have the wood and the fire. But where is the lamb for the offering?" In reply, Abraham said "God will provide it, son."

So they reached the top, built the altar, and Isaac was bound and put on it. (say it with me: WHAATTTT) As Abraham lifted the knife to his only son, an angel called out to stop him, telling him not to harm the boy. He looked up and saw a ram with its horns stuck in a bush, so voila, the burnt offering is provided!

There is lots to learn here, like Abraham's faith and willingness to follow God's voice, how Isaac must have felt, etc. But the only thing I thought of today, as I saw the news of cows being slaughtered in mosques and all, is the One sacrifice to atone all sin of humankind.




"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
...the Lord makes his life a guilt offering."

Isaiah 53:6-7,10


(click for source)

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