His Provision, Our Profession

Based on Genesis 22-23

"And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together." Genesis 22:6

This is one of the hardest chapters to read as a parent-how could a parent even consider such a thing as to sacrifice their child? How could God ask for such a thing? Thankfully, we do know such a demand was never truly required by Abraham-but this was a foreshadowing exposure of what God would do when Jesus came in the flesh. Looking closely at this Scripture, we can even see that the wood for the burnt offering was even laid upon Isaac to carry, just like Jesus carried the cross. Abraham must have felt many feelings, but he was confident of one thing-God would provide. God would make a way. God's provision needs to be our profession, and not just in professing through speech, but our profession, as in our job & duty to obey!

"And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together." Genesis 22:8

...And provide Himself He did! We know Jesus is Emmanuel. God with us. He took the scars for our sins. Since this was always meant to be, Isaac could grow, and live, and prosper through God's provision and the example of the faith of his father. Abraham made God's provision his ultimate profession of faith. He didn't just speak it, he lived it, and what a brave example he went through in being willing to let go of his only son!

"And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." Genesis 22:13

Abraham boldly professed his faith from the beginning of this process, knowing he & Isaac would return back down the mountain together once again. The ram was provided by God. Greater than any other job, career or profession we aspire to have in this life, we need to be living out the profession (or job) of faith! It's not always easy. It takes work. We might be asked to give up some things we are attached to in order to live up to our true calling...but don't worry about that leap of faith! You'll always land on God's firm promises.

"And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth." Genesis 23:20

When Sarah died, God even gave Abraham favor with those in the land he was living in so that he could bury her. They were even willing to give him the land and the cave for free, but Abraham was a giver. He wasn't afraid to sacrifice, as we've seen. He did pay for that place. Although Abraham didn't have to give his own life or Isaac's in sacrifice to God, their lives were surely dedicated to God in such a way that they didn't even fear death. We can have that same peace when we make God's provision our profession to this world every single day!