“GOD WILL PROVIDE”
Genesis 22:1–14; Hebrews 11:17–22 06/28/2026
Our Old Testament lesson today is one of the most powerful—and also one of the most difficult—passages in all of Scripture.
Until Abraham was 99 years old and Sarah was 89, they had lived their whole lives without a child, waiting for the son God had promised, through whom God would make Abraham into a great nation. After more than twenty years of waiting, their hope had nearly faded. Humanly speaking, the promise seemed impossible to fulfill. Yet Abraham trusted God's promise and remained steadfast in faith.
After many years of waiting, God miraculously gave them a son, Isaac. Abraham was one hundred years old when Isaac was born. Isaac was not merely a child; he was God's promise made visible. He was Abraham and Sarah's joy, their future, and their hope. We can imagine how deeply they loved him.
Then comes the shocking command in Genesis 22. God said to Abraham: "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love... and offer him there as a burnt offering." (Genesis 22:2)
These words are difficult to hear. Any parent reading this story feels the weight of Abraham's anguish. How could God ask such a thing? The Bible tells us from the very beginning why this happened: "After these things God tested Abraham." (Genesis 22:1)
This was a test of faith. God never intended for Isaac to be sacrificed. God was testing Abraham's trust and obedience. Still, the test was painful.
Notice that Abraham does not argue or protest. Early the next morning he rises and begins the journey. For three days he walks toward Mount Moriah. Imagine the thoughts that must have filled his mind. Imagine the tears he may have shed. Imagine the questions he wrestled with in his heart. Yet Abraham continued forward in faith.
As they climbed the mountain, Isaac asked a heartbreaking question: "Father! The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" (Genesis 22:7) Abraham answered: "God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." (Genesis 22:8)
These words become the central message of this story: God will provide. The writer of Hebrews gives us insight into Abraham's faith. Hebrews 11 tells us that Abraham believed God could even raise Isaac from the dead.
Abraham knew that God's promises could not fail. Somehow, even if he could not understand how, God would remain faithful. Faith does not mean understanding everything God is doing. Faith means trusting God when we do not understand.
Many of us know what it is like to face situations that make no sense. We pray for healing and illness remains. We pray for guidance and the path seems unclear. We pray for relief, yet the burden continues. In those moments we often ask, "Why?"
Abraham did not receive an explanation. He received only a command and a promise. And he trusted the One who gave both. At the very last moment, as Abraham raised the knife, the angel of the Lord called out: "Abraham, Abraham! Do not lay your hand on the boy."
Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in a thicket. God had provided a substitute sacrifice. The story is not ultimately about human sacrifice. It is about God's provision. Abraham named that place: "The LORD will provide (Jehovah-Yireh)." (Genesis 22:14)
Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly taught Israel that God did not desire human sacrifice. In fact, God strongly condemned the pagan practice of sacrificing children. This story demonstrates that the God of Israel is different from the gods of the surrounding nations. God does not delight in death; God provides life.
And there is an even deeper meaning here. Many Christians have seen Isaac as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Isaac was the beloved son who willingly accompanied his father up the mountain. Yet God spared Isaac.
Centuries later, God would send God’s own beloved Son, Jesus Christ. On another hill, there would be no ram caught in a thicket. There would be no voice stopping the sacrifice. Jesus would offer Himself completely for the salvation of the world.
In Genesis 22, Abraham said, "God will provide." In Jesus Christ, God has provided. God has provided forgiveness for sinners. God has provided grace for the undeserving. God has provided hope for the hopeless. God has provided eternal life for all who trust in Jesus Christ.
After Abraham passed the test, God renewed God’s covenant blessing: "I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore." (Genesis 22:17)
God's purpose was never to destroy Abraham. God's purpose was to strengthen and reveal Abraham's faith. The same is true for us. The trials we face are not meaningless. God often uses them to refine our faith, deepen our trust, and draw us closer to Godself.
Isaiah reminds us: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD." (Isaiah 55:8) And Paul assures us: "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to God’s purpose." (Romans 8:28)
That does not mean everything that happens is good. It means God is able to work through every circumstance for God’s good purposes.
Perhaps today you are facing a trial. Perhaps you are carrying a burden that seems too heavy. Perhaps you are wondering why God is allowing something difficult in your life. If so, hear Abraham's testimony: The Lord will provide.
God may provide through a miracle. God may provide through ordinary means. God may provide strength, wisdom, comfort, friends, opportunities, or unexpected blessings. But God will provide what is needed.
Our calling is to trust God. When we cannot see the way forward, God will provide. When we are afraid, God will provide. When we are weary, God will provide. When our faith is tested, God will provide.
The God who provided for Abraham, the God who raised Jesus from the dead, is the same God who walks with us today. Therefore, let us trust God with all our hearts and proclaim with confidence: "The LORD will provide." Thanks be to God. Amen.
