As a reward for the Akeidas Yitzchak, in which Avraham was willing to sacrifice his son, Yitzchak, HaShem shows eternal mercy to Avraham's descendants. Yet, why does Avraham's acting with harshness, awaken the opposite trait of mercy? Tears flowed down Avraham's cheeks when he was about to sacrifice his beloved son. Even when HaShem commanded Avraham to act with severity, Avraham retained his humanity, sensitivity, and compassion.
Lesson: The test of the Akeidah was to see if Avraham had acquired the attribute of compassion so deeply in his heart that it became his his very nature. Indeed, Avraham valued compassion so much that it was the root of all his acts, thoughts, and words.
Visualization: Sense the compassion and love that Avraham Avinu held deeply in his heart for every person. Reflect on the special love he held for his righteous son, Yitzchak, who was born to Avraham and Sara in their elderly years. As he places Yitzchak on the altar, his heart is moved with the deepest feelings of love and compassion for his precious son. As he grasps the knife, rivers of tears pour down his cheeks. Hear HaShem tell him, "Do not harm your son. Now I know that kindness and compassion is the very core of your being, as a result, I will have eternal compassion upon your descendants."
