Golfers can choose between courses catering to players of all skill levels or those designed only for the elite. Eventually, even the less skilled golfer wants to attempt a more challenging course. There are five courses at Bethpage in New York. Each is named for a different color—but only the Black merits a sign that warns, “The Black Course is a tough course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers.” Narrow fairways, massive bunkers, plateau greens, and tangled rough without an option for a golf cart present the supreme test!

Genesis 22 – Foreshadowed Cross

No test in athletics can match the supreme test God gave to Abraham. His earlier tests (leaving family, moving far from home, disinheriting Ishmael, and sending him away) were preliminary to the big one in Genesis 22. Contrary to what Abraham knew of God and his own logic, he was told to go to Mt. Moriah and sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering! No reason was given. Yet, the order was clear.

Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God reminds us how God did the same for us. God gave his only Son, Jesus, to die for us as a sacrifice for our sins. If God is willing to sacrifice the One He loves most, why should we not offer everything, even our lives, as living sacrifices back to Him (Romans 12:1-2)?

Bible Verse: “After these things, the word of Yahweh came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great.” Genesis 15:1 (LSB)