Readings: Genesis 18:1-22:24, 2 Kings 4:1-37, Luke 1:26-38; 24:36-53; 2 Peter 2:4-11.

The arrival of baby Isaac must have brought such joy to Abraham and Sarah as none of us can probably imagine. A son of destiny and promise, Isaac was the miraculous provision of God to ageing parents who had long given up on ever having children. Both Abraham and Sarah had laughed in disbelief at the prophecy of Isaac's arrival. When he was born, their laughter became that of heavenly wonder (Gen 21:6).

God Our Provider

As much as Isaac's birth was the provision of Jehovah Jireh, The Lord Who Provides, Abraham did not declare this well-known name of God until a number of years later, on Mount Moriah, after God did the unthinkable: he asked for Isaac back. Abraham must have been distraught; after waiting a lifetime for the fulfilment of this promise, suddenly it appeared to have been recalled.

Our Abba Father knows how to give good gifts to his children (Matt 7:11). He is not a vindictive God who gives just to take away again. But neither does he want us to become more attached to his gifts and provisions than we are to him. That's why God tested Abraham: to see how loosely he was holding his precious, long-awaited son. Abraham was not being asked to love Isaac less – he was being tested to see if he loved God more.

God Our Provision

As the story unfolds, and the ram caught in the thickets is provided for a sacrifice instead of Isaac, we learn that God's intention is to provide for Abraham personally, in response to his display of faith. Almost 2,000 years later, this same agenda was fulfilled to perfection as God himself was offered up as the ultimate provision for mankind – for all who step out in faith and believe. Just as Abraham did not withhold Isaac, so the Father did not withhold the Son, but offered him willingly as a sacrifice in our stead. Fulfilling the prophetic words that "on the mountain of the Lord, it will be provided" (Gen 22:14), the sinless Saviour carried his own altar wood to his own sacrifice and became the 'Lamb who was slain' (Rev 5:12) for the sins of the world. The Giver became the Gift.

How often believers seem to be more occupied with God's blessings than with God himself! Is there anything in your life that occupies your thoughts or tugs at your heart more than the Lord does? It is worth meditating today on the promise that Abraham received from God at the very beginning of his journey: "Do not fear...I am your shield and your very great reward." (Gen 15:1, NKJV).

Author: Frances Rabbitts