“Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So, Abraham called the place ‘the LORD will provide’. And to this day it is said, on the mountain of the Lord, it will be provided” (Gen. 22:13-14).
In a world caught by the mental philosophy of dependence on scientific provision and technological creativity, which gives credit to human ingenuity at the detriment of absolute faith in God’s providential care and divine wisdom over human advancements, it becomes necessary to redefine our faith and dependence on God.
In doing so, an exegetical treaty of His revelation to Abraham at Moriah becomes necessary again. What exactly is the significance of the above Scripture to the present day’s generation of Christians who daily bask in the secular mindset of mundane struggles and dependence on human effort; casting doubt on God’s ability to provide and care for His people?
Here, Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac, his only son. Isaac was not just the only son; but he was the son of promise or covenant. At the time of this command, we have no evidence of any other son left for Abraham. Ishmael had earlier gone.
The venue of sacrifice and scene of provision is mount Moriah. The movement of Abraham and Isaac to the above scene for the supreme sacrifice was full of meditations, pre-meditations from both Isaac and Abraham.
And Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son, Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham: “Father” “Yes my son,” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”(vs 6-7).
Imagine the feeling the above question will elicit. But Abraham prophetically responded to the question: “God Himself will provide the lamb.” Here again, we see Abraham’s faith. At this point, he could not really comprehend the object of God’s command, but he had the fullest confidence in His wisdom, love and providential care for both himself and Isaac.
The peak of his faith and sense of fulfilment in Abraham was the practical demonstration of God’s faithfulness at Mount Moriah by providing the young lamb for the sacrifice (a typology of Christ).
Ever since, Moriah has remained a symbolic representation of God’s providential care and love. Geographically, the land of Moriah means all the mountains of Jerusalem – Calvary, Zion, and Olives, with Calvary being the peak and it was on this mount that Isaac was offered as a type of Christ.
Our God is the God of provision. Provision in the context of our subject goes beyond the giving of bread and butter for our immediate consumption. It is also a preparation for future life in God’s care and love. Its supernatural connotation is the unceasing activity of God, the Creator, in looking after the person He created. He sustains His creatures in ordered existence, guides and governs all events. He directs everything to His appointed goal. God providentially declares His care over human kind and supplies abundant resource for his upkeep.
In the natural order, God rules over all happenings, from storms and plagues (Ps. 29:1 f, Ex. 7:11) to the death of a sparrow (Matt. 10:2a).
Human life and health are His to give and take away. So God Himself is the source of human provisions. He provides out of the well of His abundance all that is needed to sustain humanity economically, sociologically, religiously and psychologically. The event of Abraham, Isaac and Moriah (God’s provision of lamb) is a clear evidence of God’s care over our concerns (Gen. 22:14). In the hour of need, Abraham looked up to God for provision, and God provided what was needed.
Abraham’s willing obedience to sacrifice Isaac, despite His overdue importance in his life, is an expression of human freedom to act independently over and against any apparent and seeming imposing factor of life. As a free moral agent, Abraham could have disappointed God, but testing him made it possible for the Lord to say: Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son (v.12). Here God limits His own attributes to conform to His plan for a free moral agent. This does not in any way make Him less omniscient. This, therefore, poses a challenge to a believer not to be hesitant in taking a decision in obedience to God’s commands.
Friends, God is not unaware of your lack. He shall surely provide. Let your heart of faith be as large as Mount Moriah where God ultimately provides. In the midst of lack, the most valuable possessions of life must become the potential article of mortgage to God for necessary provision. This way, God tested Abraham to confirm his faith and prove his commitment to the reality of His power. Imperatively, God may decide to put the faith and loyalty of His children to supreme test.
It is important to note that Abraham’s prompt obedience to sacrifice Isaac, even under the crucible of the moment (trying circumstances) brought about the provision of the “lamb”. Abraham looked beyond the present circumstances of lack which offered nothing to the world.
He looked up to God who lives and reigns in the world where he providentially makes all available to his people.
By your faith in God, He ultimately provides the most valuable desires of your life.
His provisions are forthright. They come at the exact time and settle the immediate challenge. The time of need is when God’s provision salvages the situation and the desperation of man. The Lord is right here on time to bless you with His provision. His provisions are for a definite purpose.
Open your eyes of faith; you will see the treasured lamb standing by the side.
He cares for you.