Here’s one last thought about the Akeida.

A small detail that can be overlooked.

Abraham passed this most difficult test.

In Jewish tradition it’s the ultimate spiritual act.

Showing that he follows G-d no matter what.

And he’s told “… Now I know that you are a G-d fearing man.

Since you have done this thing, I will surely bless you.”

If this was a movie?

It would end right there.

On a high point.

… At the last minute Abraham is told to stop.

It was only a test.  He passed it.

And is blessed by G-d.

… But it doesn’t end there.

There’s one more verse.

[Abraham and Isaac had been accompanied by two other men.

When they reached the mountain, Abraham and Isaac left the others behind.

And went up alone.] (Genesis 22; 3-5)

Here’s how the story ends.

Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose up and went together… (19)

And it seems so anticlimactic!

But its not.

It’s really the climax!

Because Abraham reached a tremendous spiritual level.

And he could have come down from the mountain a different person.

With a “holier than though” attitude.

And no longer relate to those “ordinary” people.

… But that’s his greatness.

He was the same Abraham.

…”Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose up and went together”… (19)

Sometimes we may have a challenge.

And we rise to the occasion.  Do the right thing.

We can take pride in what we did.

But if we find ourselves getting a little haughty?

… We should remember Abraham.

And be humbled!