Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 Faith on Trial The God Who Provides What Made Abraham Glad? Obedience of Faith 1

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 Faith on Trial Abraham was called in Ur. The promise was given and expanded over the years. In those 30 years Abraham had one son, Ishmael, and he was not the son of the promise. Lot abandoned Abraham. God appeared and reconfirmed the promise although Abraham and Sarah were well past the childbearing years. 2

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 Faith on Trial Faith in Crisis Abraham had the son of the promise and had been resting in this for 13 years. Suddenly this peaceful world was shattered. God emphasized this was Abraham’s only son. “whom you love” was an emphasis also. God was fully aware of the struggle it would be to fully obey this command. Was Isaac beginning to take God’s place? 3

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 Faith on Trial Is God a Liar? Was this a test on the human level? It definitely was a test on the spiritual level! This was not only about Abraham’s love for Isaac but also about the promise of the future. We have a seemingly impossible conflict between God’s promise and command. Abraham acted in a manner consistent with his knowledge of God. 4

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 Faith on Trial Faith in Bloom Abraham was not only exercising faith, but he was also working it out! Chopping wood Meditation and contemplation – Hebrews 11:17-19 5

Hebrews 11:17-19 (NASB) 17  By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; 18  it was he to whom it was said, “In Isaac your descendants shall be called.” 19  He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 Faith on Trial Faith in Bloom Abraham was not only exercising faith, but he was also working it out! Chopping wood Meditation and contemplation – Hebrews 11:17-19 “Here I am” – Isaiah 6 Abraham’s faith was rewarded as God provided a figurative resurrection. 5

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 The God Who Provides Names of God in Genesis build understanding of the character and nature of God. El Elyon – The Most High God El Shaddai – The Almighty God El Olam – The Eternal and Unchanging God Adonai – Lord El Roi – The God Who Sees Jehovah Shammah – The God Who is There Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Will Provide 6

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 The God Who Provides God will “see to it” Ra’ah – to see (Jireh) Isaac asked, “Where is the Lamb?” Abraham answered, “God will see to it.” The idea of substitution was introduced. This place is named “Jehovah will see to it.” The proverb becomes “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” 7

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 The God Who Provides God’s Lamb Jesus will eventually be sacrificed on this mountain – Hebrews 10:4. 8

Hebrews 10:4 (NASB) 4  For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 The God Who Provides God’s Lamb Jesus will eventually be sacrificed on this mountain – Hebrews 10:4. What Abraham was only asked to do, God does! The question of the ages becomes “Where is the Lamb?” It is all answered in Jesus! How much of this does Abraham know and understand? 8

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 What Made Abraham Glad? Abraham saw the Day of Christ’s atonement as he stood there on Mount Moriah – John 8:56-59. 9

John 8:56-59 (NASB) 56  “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” 57  So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” 58  Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” 59  Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 What Made Abraham Glad? Abraham saw the Day of Christ’s atonement as he stood there on Mount Moriah – John 8:56-59. As the knife was poised to kill, Abraham knew what it meant to give his only son. As the ram was provided, the principle of substitution was seen by Abraham. Abraham received his son Isaac back from the dead but not without a blood sacrifice provided by God Himself. 9

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 What Made Abraham Glad? The result of what Abraham saw God was pleased with Abraham’s fixed obedience in great faith. Abraham had great joy in the hope of the resurrection to come. “The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” – John 20:20 Believers should be very joyful about the amazing provision for salvation through the person and work of Jesus. 10

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 Obedience of Faith Abraham’s faith showed Great promptness in obedience – Psalm 119:60 11

Psalm 119:60 (NASB) 60 I hastened and did not delay To keep Your commandments.

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 Obedience of Faith Abraham’s faith showed Great promptness in obedience – Psalm 119:60 A long obedience A willingness in obedience A settled obedience A contagious obedience Abraham’s faith gave great reward. He received a fresh word from God. He received an even stronger promise. He received important news about his family. 11

Where is the Lamb? Genesis 22 Application How would you characterize your obedience? Does it include Chopping Wood? Is your life marked by Joy? Joy in the hope of the resurrection? Is God your provider in all areas of your life? Is your faith response to God in all things “here I am Lord”? 12