Genesis 22:1-14 – JEHOVAH-JIREH – THE LORD WILL PROVIDE
A missionary on the foreign field is stranded in a foreign land in the middle of a war. No checks from the mission can get through. Jehovah-jireh – the Lord will provide!
A young Christian lady marries a young Christian man. Soon they have two small girls. Suddenly the man tragically loses his life. The wife has no work skills, and there are two small children to feed, clothe, and house. Jehovah-jireh – the Lord will provide!
Another Christian woman, living for the Lord, is divorced by her husband. Jehovah-jireh, the Lord will provide.
An elderly couple is retired, living on a fixed income. Medical costs escalate. There is little money. Jehovah-jireh – the Lord will provide.
A Christian worker is faced with what appears to be insurmountable odds in the work of the ministry. Jehovah-jireh – the Lord will provide.
It was not unusual for Bible characters to name places after the experiences that happened in that place. That is why Abraham named the place where he almost offered Isaac as a sacrifice “Jehovah-jireh”. The word means “the Lord will provide”.
Our God is a God of provision. When we serve Him, He takes the responsibility for all our needs. Philippians 4:19
Abraham found this to be true when he received what was probably the greatest test of all in his walk with God. We want to look at this test and see that “the Lord will provide”.
God had promised Abraham a Son. Genesis 12:1-3, 15:3-6, Genesis 17:19, Genesis 18:9-15
Isaac, whose name means “laughter” was born when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 99.
Abraham’s life after the birth of Isaac was evidently spent in comparative quiet. He was a rich old man raising a young son. He had experienced many tests and trials in his life time, but probably now things seemed to be just fine.
Then, one day, Abraham faced what was the biggest challenge of his lifetime.
UNBELIEVABLE TEST – Vss. 1-2
God decided to test Abraham. No saint is immune from tests or trials. Because God loves us, He tests us. Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, Psalm 66:10
Notice that Abraham responded to God’s call quickly because he knew the voice of God.
God asks Abraham to give Him his most valued possession, which was his only son.
What is your most valued possession? Are you willing to part with it if God wants you to? Luke 14:26-27
UNCONDITIONAL OBEDIENCE – Vs. 3
For Abraham there was no argument, no stalling, or talking to Sarah.
He took the wood, the servants, and Isaac. He didn’t even take a lamb in case God would “change His mind”.
UNWAVERING TRUST – Vss. 4-8
Vss. 4-5 – Notice that Abraham says “We’ll be back.” God had promised Abraham that he would be blessed. He believed God. Abraham believed that God would resurrect Isaac. Hebrews 11:17-19
Vss. 7-8 – Notice that Abraham trusted in the provision of God. God indeed provided a lamb for Abraham on the mountain, but he also provided Himself a lamb at Calvary.
God will take care of our needs today. We can still trust Him. Matthew 6:25-33
UNDENIABLE SUBMISSION – Vss. 9-12
Vss. 9-10 Isaac’s submission was admirable through all of this. Abraham’s submission was even more admirable. He was willing to do what God asked, even if he ended up with a broken heart.
Vss. 11-12 – God was watching all the time. Abraham had passed the test of submission. There was no reason for Abraham to slay his son.
UNLIMITED SUPPLY – Vss. 13-14
What did God provide for Abraham?
He provided a lamb in the thicket.
He provided the strength to go through the most difficult time of his life.
God provided the wisdom to handle the servants and Isaac.
God provided the emotional stability to handle such a great load.
God provided Himself through the whole experience.