Mixed Emotions

The “Binding of Isaac,” is studied over and over again from many different perspectives. This episode is considered so important that it has become part of our morning prayers.
The main message of the story is to teach us unwavering faith in Hashem. We are to follow His dictates regardless as to whether they make sense to us or not.
Rav Asher Weiss describes the mixed emotions that were going through Avraham’s head. He wept bitterly at the thought of losing the son that he waited for so long, and he loved so dearly.
But he was also overcome with the emotion of great joy at being able to fulfill the word of G-d.
Yitzchak also deserved a great deal of credit. He was thirty seven years old at the time, and participated in this great act of faith.
The proof of this incredibly high level of commitment was proven by Avraham still possessing the gift of prophecy.
When he received the command to sacrifice his son, he was told to offer him on “one of the mountains.” He knew which specific mountain by prophecy.
We know from the Rambam that prophecy is only received when one is in the highest state of joy. Often prophets would listen to music to gladden their hearts so that they become vessels to hear the word of G-d.
This is what was truly remarkable about Avraham. He was asked to sacrifice his son, but still managed to be elevated to the level of prophecy, because of the joy that he felt in fulfilling Hashem’s wishes.
This is what stood out about the Akeida. Avraham Avinu set the example for his descendants to teach them what is true, unwavering faith. And this is why we need to read this story every morning in our prayers.