Luther on Holiness

Genesis 22:19
And Abraham returned to his servants, and together they left to return to Beersheba. Abraham remained there.

Martin Luther wrote, "Abraham left Mount Moriah, the mountain where he had been asked to sacrifice Isaac, the place where he had heard the voice of an Angel and experienced the presence of God. It was a holy mountain, a place unlike any other in the world. This is where Abraham received God's promise and pledge. The story shows how highly Abraham regarded his duty toward his family, and his god-given responsibilities as head of a household. But since God gave him no further commands, he didn't do anything differently after this experience than from before. No, instead he went back to his familiar household activities: overseeing his servants, guiding his family, living his life. In fact, he didn't appear to be especially religious or spiritual at all. Abraham left all of that on the top of Mount Moriah! He didn't even let the fact that he had seen Angels on that mountain hold him there. He went back to the servants he had left watching his donkey at the foot of the hill, and then went home. If certain 'over religious' types were to comment on this passage, they might question his piety or condemn him for leaving. They might think that if Abraham really was such an outstanding example to later generations, perhaps he should not have just up and left that holy place. After all it is where he met God and his angels. How can one just go back to his donkeys, house, family, and everyday work without any change whatysovere after meeting God on the top of a mountain? What kind of piety is that! It's remarkable to me how much certain 'religious people' can despise honest work and everyday chores! Perhaps it is because real Holiness is not found at the top of a mountain, it is found in your place of work, in the place where you live, and amongst the people whom you love!"