Provision of Sacrifice

Genesis 22:8-14

Sacrifice by definition is difficult, but imagine being asked to sacrifice your firstborn child. That is exactly what God asks Abraham to do to Isaac in today’s passage. Of course, we know that God did not want Isaac to die, but He wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart in order that he would demonstrate his love for God was greater than that for his son. God tested Abraham and He tests us. The purpose of this testing is to strengthen our character and deepen our commitment to God and His purposes. Through this difficult experience, Abraham strengthened his commitment to obey God and learned about God’s enormous ability to provide.

1. In what ways have you withheld your love, your children, or your time from the Lord? 

2. How has your relationship with God been impacted by these decisions?

Challenge: Notice the parallel between the ram offered on the altar as a substitute for Isaac and Christ offered on the cross as a substitute for us. Pray and thank the Lord for His awesome gift of sacrifice and provision!