In the past 3 blogs we asked, “Is God there? Does He care about the minutia of our lives?” We found answers in the lives of Bible persons and in stories from people living today. I hope those true stories provided encouragement for our daily walk.
One of the most intimate of moments recorded in the Bible was that between a father and son as they discussed what would become known as the plan of salvation. God had asked Abraham to give Him his most precious gift, Isaac. Abraham prayerfully submitted. On the way to the place of sacrifice Abraham and Isaac had a quiet, poignant exchange,
“But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.” Genesis 22: 7,8.
Both men continued in step with each other as they quietly contemplated the next move of their loving Provider. Abraham and Isaac’s faith was rewarded as God, just in time, provided a ram that would be sacrificed in Isaac’s place.
This intimate moment between Abraham and Isaac, foreshadowed the intimate moment between God and His Son Jesus, as Jesus left heaven to be the stand-in for sinful man. God, recognizing our brokenness and that we were all bound for death lovingly offered a Substitute, who like Isaac, fell instep with His Father’s plan.
What was the Plan? The perfect Son for imperfect people; the willingly obedient Son for our inconsistent commitment; the Son’s caring heart for our wavering spirits. The result? Once sinful people are now called holy; those once destined for death are now on track for eternal life. This gift, if we accept it, is not dependent on our perfection but on the perfection of the provided Lamb— Christ Jesus. Jehovah Jireh— “the God who provides”, “the God who sees to it”— He has provided and we are His beneficiaries.
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:31, 32.
The apostle Paul says, don’t doubt that there is an omnipotent God in your corner! He is willing to give everything for us every day! He is listening, He is watching and He provides! Abraham’s story says God will always come through for us. Seasons of loneliness, feelings of abandonment, doubt, inadequacy, or depression may come but remember– Jehovah Jireh knows our needs and He is able! He actively planned, and continues to plan for our daily needs and success.
Today’s Goal: To believe that God cares and to talk with Him about today’s problems and decision-making.
A Wilderness Guidebook . . . 