God's Grand Story: Isaac, God's Promise
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
15 The 's angel called out from heaven a second time: 16 You were willing to offer your only son to the , and so he makes you this solemn promise, 17 “I will bless you and give you such a large family, that someday your descendants will be more numerous than the stars in the sky or the grains of sand along the seashore. They will defeat their enemies and take over the cities where their enemies live. 18 You have obeyed me, and so you and your descendants will be a blessing to all nations on earth.”
Genesis 22:15-18
Memory Verse
Genesis 22:7-8
7 Isaac said, “Father, we have the coals and the wood, but where is the lamb for the sacrifice?” “My son,” Abraham answered, “God will provide the lamb.” The two of them walked on, and 8
Put yourself in Isaac's shoes. Your eyes shoot open. Today's the day! You have been so excited to finally be able to go with your dad when he makes his sacrifice to God. You run over to your dad and help him pack; he seems different—maybe even sad. You can't remember him being like this before other sacrifices, but you don't think much of it. As the journey begins, you and your dad talk about everything you see.
Then it hits you: there isn't an animal for the sacrifice.
You quickly tell your dad. He stares at you for a bit, sighs deeply, and confidently says, "The Lord will provide." You continue to talk as you walk up the mountain, but you can't shake the feeling that something is different.
Finally, you reach the top of the mountain and begin stacking rocks on top of each other to build the altar. Your dad takes the wood from you and lays it on top of the stones. He then asks you to lay on top of the wood. You get on the wood. He raises the knife and then drops it beside the altar. He hugs you. "Dad, look! The Lord provided!" you say as you point to the ram.
Abraham trusted that God would provide, even when it looked challenging. Waiting for God's timing is not always easy, but Jesus tells us we do not need to worry because our heavenly Father will provide for us (Matthew 6:25-34). Today, let’s continue to pray and believe in God’s promises to us.
Prayer
Dear God, help me have faith that you will provide for my needs like you did for Abraham. Thank you for the many ways that you have been with me. Thank you that I can trust your promises. Amen.Related Resources
Philip Vander Windt
Philip VanderWindt is the pastor at Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church. In his free time he enjoys building “tall-tall towers” with his kids, analyzing worldviews of films and music with his wife, photographing the beauty of God’s creation, dabbling in leathercraft and woodwork, and writing.