SOAP 01/15/2015; Genesis 22:13-14

Today's reading: Genesis 22

S) "¹³ Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. ¹⁴ Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, 'In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.'"

Genesis 22:13-14 (NASB)

O) The topic of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac is quite deep. There are topics of omniscience and sovereignty, obedience and sacrifice (obviously), and often times it can seem like there are as many questions as answers. One thing that is abundantly clear, though, is that God provides. When the angel called Abraham, and stopped the sacrifice, the rest of the situation didn't simply evaporate. Abraham didn't suddenly awaken from a dream. There was still a sacrifice to be made, and God provided the sacrifice. There are allegories here, too. The ram caught in the thicket is a foreshadow of God providing the ultimate sacrifice for sins, Jesus Christ, who is His own son, the propitiation for the sins of the world. Jesus also bore thorns around his own head, similar to the way the ram was caught. As He did throughout the Old Testament, God addressed a current need while also pointing forward to the gospel.

A) The example of faith and obedience that Abraham showed is admirable. I should strive for that level of faith and obedience. While I doubt God will ever ask me to sacrifice my children literally, there can often be areas that God asks me to trust Him. In a figurative way, God has asked me to let things die, letting go of my desire to control and accomplish and prove. He always provides, so that His will may be done. I need to be patient, and ready, and obedient when He provides. He always provides. Throughout my life, I have waited upon the Lord to provide, financially, emotionally, healthfully, etc.. I have not always responded in faithful obedience, though. I have often squandered, neglected, or otherwise taken for granted these things when He provided. When I am waiting and praying, I need to be preparing. I need to prepare myself to glorify God when He does provide. He always provides.

P) Father, be glorified in my life. Be glorified in the provision You give me. Let me not be wasteful, ungrateful, or selfish about Your provision. Your glory is at stake. Even now, as I pray and wait for a tax return, I want to be ready to obey when I receive that money. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear, and impress upon my heart the things You want me to accomplish with that provision. Be glorified in what I do with what You give me. Forgive me for my disobedience, and in grace, discipline me to be obedient now. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.