Police Devotion 8-30-2016
“My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:” (Genesis 22:8)
Abraham and Sarah wanted a child, but Sarah was unable to bear children. God promised one day that they would have a son, and eventually, God made it happen—Isaac was born. Later on, God tested Abraham when He told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. No doubt Abraham was sad and confused at this command, but this was the same God who had saved him, given him the son, answered many of his prayers and worked powerfully throughout his life. So Abraham obeyed.
As they neared the mountain where the sacrifice would take place, Isaac asked, “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (Genesis 22:7). Abraham replied, as our opening verse says, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” When they reached the place, Abraham built an altar and laid wood on it. Then he took a rope and tied Isaac up. Now Isaac knew that HE was to be the sacrifice! Abraham laid him on the wood on the altar. Then Abraham took a knife with the intention of killing his son. That’s where God stopped him.
This was an obedience test for Abraham. It was also an obedience test for Isaac. Isaac was about fourteen years old. Abraham called him a “lad.” Abraham told his servants, “…I and the lad will go yonder and worship,” (Genesis 22:5). The word “lad” was also used to describe Abraham’s son, Ishmael, who was born to him by Hagar, the Egyptian servant. God told Hagar, “Arise, lift up the lad [Ishmael], and hold him in thine hand;” (Genesis 21:18). At the time God said this, Ishmael was about fourteen years old. So if Ishmael was about fourteen, then Isaac must have been about fourteen when he and Abraham went up to do the sacrifice. The best commentary on Bible verses is other Bible verses. That’s why 1 Corinthians 2:13 talks about “…comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”
Isaac was probably big enough to fight Abraham if he wanted to. Picture Abraham telling Isaac, “turn around and put your hands behind your back.” You’ve probably said that at some point to a suspect you were about to arrest so you could handcuff him. Once you say something like “you’re under arrest” or “put your hands behind your back,” the suspect knows it’s probably his last chance if he’s going to try to escape, so you’d better be ready in case he tries to run or swing at you.
At any rate, Isaac didn’t try to resist his father. He submitted to his father’s will, even if it meant giving his own life. This story of Abraham and Isaac is a preview of Jesus’ death on the cross. God the Father is represented by Abraham. God the Son, Jesus, is represented by Isaac. Abraham said, “…God will provide himself a lamb…” and that’s what God did. If anyone needs proof of God’s love for people, Jesus’ death on the cross is proof. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
The Lord Jesus is the central character of the entire Bible. Old Testament stories include previews of His death, burial, and resurrection. In fact, the main reason that the Bible was written is to tell people how to have the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour: “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:31). If you want to know how to have eternal life by receiving the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour, please click “Helpful Links” on the top menu and then “How Do I Go to Heaven?” on the drop down menu.
Brian Miller 8/30/2016
Cleveland Baptist Church | 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 | 216.671.2822