Series: The Names of God
October 27, 2024 | Damian Thompson
Passage: Genesis 22:1-19
In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham by instructing him to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. Obediently, Abraham sets out for Mount Moriah with Isaac and two young men, demonstrating his faith despite the emotional turmoil of the impending sacrifice. During their journey, which takes three days, Abraham grapples with his feelings about sacrificing his only heir, a promise from God that he had waited for many years. When they arrive, Abraham builds an altar and prepares to sacrifice Isaac, but an angel intervenes, stopping him and confirming Abraham's faithfulness. Instead, God provides a ram caught in a thicket for the sacrifice. This event leads Abraham to name the location "Jehovah Jireh," meaning "The Lord will provide." Finally, God reaffirms His promise to Abraham, declaring that his descendants will be numerous and blessed, underscoring the significance of faith and obedience in divine testing.