Jan 19 (Daily reading: Genesis 22-24) We have seen in our reading about Abraham that God is “Almighty” and “The-God-Who-Sees.” Today, we find another characteristic: “The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, ‘In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided’” (22:14, NKJV). Abraham’s faith was revealed by the things he said. He told the young men who accompanied them, “We will worship and return to you” (22:5). Abraham believed in his heart that Isaac would come down from the mountain with him. When Isaac asked about the lamb for the sacrifice, his father said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering” (22:8). He believed, as should we, that God’s provision is always sufficient!
My son Tim’s birthday is in three days. I have often tried as a dad of two boys to reflect on what God asked Abraham to do. I have never fully understood, but I have tried to surrender my children to God, for His grace and direction over their lives. I have found Him to be faithful even in our weaknesses and failures!
Hebrews 11:19 says about Abraham: “He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him (Isaac) back as a type.” Isaac was a type of Christ. His miraculous “rescue” on the mountain was symbolic of the resurrection of Christ after His sacrifice for our sins. “We have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). God has provided new life even though we deserve death because of our sin!
-Al Gary
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