September 18, 2021

Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And [Abraham] said, “Here am I, my son.” Then [Isaac] 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

This very moving prophetic portrayal of God’s provision for our salvation is behind the name Jehovah Jireh (our God will provide). God’s people affectionately refer to Him with various names that highlight His character and attributes. Abraham’s trust and obedience were very precious to God.

The fact that God is indeed our provider spills over into every area of life. The earliest lesson taught to Adam and Eve came on their first full day of life: day seven. Created on day six, they had been placed into a setting prepared for their enjoyment, filled to the brim with every conceivable provision for life and health and joy. Therefore day seven, their first full day, was a day of rest and celebration with the Creator. While we typically think of “Creator” as God’s first title, it is good to ponder that, as “Provider,” He had already created our beautiful world. And it was very good (Genesis 1:31)! God provides for our every need before we even know that we need it. There is another provision for us that was settled before the foundation of the world: redemption. The title of “Redeemer” belongs at the very beginning also, but it was much later before humans understood this. The promise to Abraham to multiply his descendants as the stars was not limited only to those whose DNA can be traced to him. Anyone who has truly repented from sin is counted as Abraham’s seed (see Galatians 3:29).

For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: So I swore in My wrath [regarding unbelievers], “They shall not enter My rest,” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. Hebrews 4:3

Doubtless You are our Father, Though Abraham was ignorant of us, And Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. Isaiah 63:16

H A P P Y   S A B B A T H !