Divine Provision

Scripture Reading: Genesis 22:9-20

Key Verse: He went over and took the ram, and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son (Genesis 22:13)

Meditation: We can only imagine in the churning emotions of both Abraham and Isaac as they proceeded to the designated place for the offering. Having assured his son that God would carry out His promise appears to be reassuring himself that God would carry our His promise in raising Isaac from the dead. Certainly Abraham expected God to be faithful to carry out the covenant made years before that had started him on this journey. It was not Abraham's work to figure out how, but only to obey his Friend whom he obviously trusted without questioning.

 We cannot know the thoughts of Isaac as he was bound and saw the knife raised above his body by his father whom he loved and also trusted. We only know that Abraham was giving to God in the way he thought he should the most precious thing in his life and the symbol of all his earthly hopes.

Suddenly in the bushes a ram must have caused a noise, for it was behind him that Abraham turned and saw a provision for a sacrifice. What relief he must have felt as he grabbed the ram and sacrificed it in place of his son!

God will provide! His promise was repeated by an angel who spoke from heaven: " By myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you...multiply your descendants,...and by them shall all the nations be blessed.., because you have obeyed my voice." This is said to be the last time recorded that God spoke directly to Abraham.

Thought for the Day: Abraham called the place, " The Lord will Provide" or " the Lord will see". We do not know how God sees our needs of how He will provide, but He has promised to honor our obedience. Our job is to trust when we do not understand.