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Genesis 22:1-19

When Abraham answered Isaac about the lamb for the sacrifice he couldn’t have perceived the full truth of what he was saying. “God himself will provide” could be understood as the main theme of the Abraham saga. In fact it is a way to understand the Biblical message, with its New Testament expression being death and resurrection. OK, Isaac didn’t actually die and come to life again; the parallel lies in the human vision of the future versus the God picture of the future. Human vision sees and says “No way” to the extent of seeing only physical death at the end of earthly life, saying, there’s no way through this. God sees and provides a way, even “the way” (John 14:6).

The basic sense of the Hebrew word translated “provide” here has to do with seeing. I’ve seen it put that you can take the word “provide” and break it down to its roots: pro video. God’s provision means he sees what we don’t see. Faith means trusting in God’s vision for us. God’s vision for us isn’t just something he sort of drops down on us. It means we trust him to see for us.

As for the horror even contemplated in this story, consider this (emphasis mine): “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).

Prayer:
Lord, take my hand and lead me wherever you want. Maybe along the way you can give me a glimpse of what you see. Through Christ, the Way. Amen.