THE LAW OF FIRST MENTION: LOVE

The twenty-second chapter of Genesis contains a memorable story and is a treasure-trove of first mentions.

“God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he answered. ‘Take your son,’ he said, ‘your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about’ ” (Genesis 22:1–2).

Here we have the first occurrence of the word “love” in Scripture. “ ‘Take your son,’ he said, ‘your only son Isaac, whom you love, go…”

The Bible doesn’t say that Adam loved his wife, or that Noah loved his big boat. It says that Abraham loved his son. The first mention of “love” tells us about a father’s love for his son.

This foreshadows the Eternal Father’s love for Jesus.

At the baptism of Jesus, God’s voice trumpeted from Heaven! “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased”(Matthew 3:17). Again, at the transfiguration, God declared, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5).

John’s Gospel often speaks of God’s love for Jesus. “The Father loves the Son…” (John 3:35). “The Father loves the Son…” (John 5:20).

Jesus’ own words declare the Father’s love. “This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again” (John 10:17).

And that same love is bestowed upon us. “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love” (John 15:9).

Abraham loved his son, and in obedience to God’s command, was willing to sacrifice him on the altar. The Holy Father who loved us enough to sacrifice His Son (John 3:16), calls us to cling to His love in faithful obedience.

“Love one another” (John 13:34).

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).