Genesis 22:3-10 – How Will God Provide?

Abraham gets up early, probably after a sleepless night, prepares for the sacrifice, and sets out. When he gets to the mountain, he goes on alone with Isaac. Abraham has left everything behind that might distract him or stop him from obeying. Isaac carries the wood, pointing us to Jesus Christ, God’s one and only Son whom He loves, who will carry His cross on the way to His sacrifice.

Isaac’s question must have pierced Abraham’s heart. How can he tell Isaac that he is the lamb? All Abraham can tell Isaac is that God will provide – he doesn’t know how, but he knows that God is in control and somehow all will be well. God always provides the sacrifice. Christ is the sacrifice God has provided to take our place, and God provides us with the sacrifice of a broken heart with which we turn to God.

With a heavy heart and slow steps Abraham at last comes to the place where he must build an altar. Isaac is the obedient sacrifice, again picturing Christ who will obediently go to His death, who does not struggle or cry out but believes with Abraham that somehow God will make everything turn out for their best.

It is an amazing love and obedience to God that Abraham has,and it teaches us about God’s love for us in giving up His only Son to suffer and die for us as a sacrifice. In return for this love, we are to give Christ first place in our lives, throwing our sin away and living for God.