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God Provides a Lamb So We Can Live
Genesis 22:1-24
In times of war, there’s chaos. In the 2026 attacks on and counter-attacks from Iran, travelers scrambled. Not only were their travel plans in disarray, but their lives were threatened. Returning home and preserving their lives became top priority. Airlines canceled flights when airspace closed, and reinstated flights when airspace opened. And since not all airspaces were closed, travelers purchased flights exiting other countries and made a dash to cross borders. Then they were met with closed land borders! There’s loss of money, loss of sleep, and loss of sanity - all in the bid to save their lives. And they think if they give up or accept the situation, they’d lose their lives. It’s a very real fear.
In a sense, we also experience it in our limited way. We have acute fears, like loss of health, loss of time, loss of money, loss of opportunity, loss of dignity, etc. And we view such loss like it’s the end of the world. So we try expend effort to escape them or prevent loss. And in holding out hope for escape, we’re on high alert - we can’t bring ourselves to surrender or give up. Never say die. And this leads to a lot of fatigue and anxiety. But today we learn something that helps us in our fears - God provides a Lamb so we can live. We’re all doomed to die because of sin, but God provides a savior who died for us, so we might live. And that hope sustains us in all seasons of life - that we can learn surrender and trust. Firstly, the test of faith - life or death on the mountain. Secondly, the object of faith - life and death on the mountain. May the Lord open our eyes to the truths he has for us.
Firstly, the test of faith - life or death on the mountain. We see this in the first 5 verses. And the text starts out with a chilling phrase - “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham.” His faith was tested. But not just his - Isaac’s too - their faith was tested. What faith was that? Faith about the future. In verse 2, Abraham responded when God called him by name. Notice the chilling words - take your son, your only son Isaac whom you love; and go to Moriah to offer him as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you. Abraham received the command to kill Isaac on a mountain - death on the mountain. It’s chilling for several reasons. This happened after “these things”, verse 5. What things? The events in chapter 21 - where God gave them Isaac, after years of waiting, and failed human attempts - God, at the right time, provided a son in their old age - showing both power and faithfulness. And Isaac was instrumental for future blessings. But then God said to sacrifice him, who was necessary for the future. Meaning, God was asking Abraham to sacrifice his future. To sacrifice Isaac was to sacrifice the promise itself, his nation, blessings on the world, and salvation. And to sacrifice Isaac, was to sacrifice his joy and laughter.
But make no mistake - Isaac also tested. In this account, he even thought how strange it was. Verse 7 - we have fire, we have wood, but where’s the sacrifice? What do these questions tell us about Isaac? They tell us that he was old enough to walk. And he was old enough talk and reason - to know sacrifice was needed. And he was old enough to carry wood. Verse 6 - he carried all the wood, while Abraham, an old man, carried fire and knife. So to b e clear, Isaac was not a child. Yes, verse 5 calls him a lad; but the Hebrew word describes someone in his teens up to 40 years old. Josephus estimates he was 25 and Rabbinic tradition has him as 37. Why? The next chapter describes Sarah dying at 127 years old. If this event happened just before she died, he’d be 37. So he was not a young boy, but a man. And his faith was tested. In verse 9, he allowed his elderly father of 137 to bind him and put him on the altar. But why did he do it when the promises and future blessing depended on him? Because he also believed. These events were meant to prove their faith.
And their faith was proven. The word “tempt” or “test” means to prove, to refine, to examine, like how a metallurgist tests gold in fire. This was not a temptation to sin, but a proving of faith. Abraham obeyed. Isaac obeyed. Father and son both obeyed. Now, God referred to Isaac 3 times - son, only son that brings laughter, beloved son. It shows that Isaac was more precious to him than Ishmael, whom he already sent away in grief. He’d lost a son; but now would he lose another? Yet Abraham obeyed. Why? God commanded. “Abraham! Here am I Lord!” So Abraham’s faith was tried and proven. Isaac’s too. They explicitly trusted God, despite the threat of death.
And this account would’ve been very relevant to Israel. Remember the context. They’d just been called to exercise trust in God - to leave Egypt for the promised land - their future. But they were still tested with death. Pharaoh increased their burdens. They were so affected they wanted to die. When the Red see was before them and Pharaoh’s army behind them, they accused Moses - did you bring us out here to die? Then in the wilderness - no water, did you bring us out here to die?; no meat, did you bring us out here to die?; no garlic, only manna, did you bring us out here to die?; there are giants in the land, did you bring us out here to die?
And they said this after they were rescued from Egypt by the lamb’s blood at Passover. Their first born sons were spared by a provision. Would they have faith that God will bring them through to the end? Or would they be like Lot’s wife, turning back? Would they be like Korah, who rose up in rebellion against the Lord? Or would they simply trust in God for their future blessing as he led them through? Would they continue in the gospel and obey God? Would they heed his laws gratefully? The original audience would’ve heard these words clearly. God called Isaac Abraham’s only son; but he also called Israel that. In Exodus 4:22, he called her his firstborn son. As they heard this account, they would’ve seen themselves in Isaac. Would they believe in God’s promises in their times of testing? God gave them manna in Exodus 16 to prove whether they’d follow him. Beloved, we all have times of testing. As we go through them, will we trust God? Will we learn surrender? Do we believe that he who saves, will us all the way to heaven? Even though we may have great loss, won’t we still live? Will we hear him, like Abraham did? Will we like Isaac, display our faith in surrender?
But notice the place of testing. After Abraham heard God, his response was immediate and obedient. He arose early and journeyed three days to the land of Moriah. Just as he obediently sent Ishmael away, he was now obedient to this command. He didn’t bargain with God like for Sodom and Gomorrah. He just obeyed. And on the third day, Abraham saw the place. He told his servants to stay until he and Isaac return from their worship. Verse 14 reveals the place was a mountain. Mount Moriah. Now, to be clear, Moriah was not a random hill. It was a place of worship. A few years ago in Genesis 14, Abraham was there in the valley of Shaveh, outside Salem. And the 2 mountains that made up the valley were Zion and Moriah - the mountains of Jerusalem. And so, this mountain was significant. It was there, he made another offering - a tithe of all he had captured in battle - to Melchizedek, the priest of God. And Melchizedek blessed him, calling God, the most High God, and possessor of heaven and earth. Beloved, is there anything that this most high God that possesses all things can’t do? Abraham remembered and believed.
Notice what Abraham said to his servants - “we will come again to you.” Why such certainty? Yes, he knew both God’s command and promises. He knew that there’d be life on that mountain. Even if there’s death, Isaac wouldn’t die forever. Hebrews 11:17-19 says that he offered up his only begotten son because he believed God could restore him even if he died. That’s faith! There was a resurrection faith even before the resurrection was ever revealed. He understood that God would make a way - God would provide; that the death of Isaac was not the end of the world. Why? Because God is faithful to his promises - and will bless all the nations. Centuries later, on this mountain range, David would buy the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite; and his son Solomon would build the temple there - and the temple was called a house of prayer for all nations. This was the place of atonement, the place where God would meet his people.
But this was also significant to Israel. After their release from Egypt, they traveled for 3 months to reach Sinai. They had 3 days to prepare for worship. And there was the threat of death. If they touched the mountain, they’d be shot. And on the third day, God came in a storm with fire and lightening and a trumpet blast, speaking the 10 commandments. It was a terrible voice. But the offering of Isaac should’ve assured them there’s no death if there’s faith. There’s only a promise of life. In both of these accounts, there was testing, then a three stage journey, and on the third day, they’d meet God. If you believe God, there’s life, there’s hope, there’s a future.
We see secondly, the object of faith - life and death on the mountain. Yes, Abraham believed God. But what specifically did Abraham believe? He had faith in God’s provision. If not his son, then what? A lamb - a substitute. As they left the servants behind, the drama intensified. Abraham made Isaac - the beloved son - carry the wood, the wood for his potential sacrifice, verse 6. Then Isaac asked - “My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Notice how he was called. God had called him earlier - Abraham! Here am I. Now Isaac called him - Father! Here am I. This showed a responsiveness. But then came the question - the important question - where’s the lamb for sacrifice? Meaning - how can guilt be atoned for? How can a sinner be made right with a holy God? How can I enter heaven as a sinner? How might I not die because of my sin? And how did Abraham answer? Faithfully! He showed his faith by his answer. “My son, God will provide himself a lamb,” verse 8. He didn’t know how; he just knew who. God will provide a lamb. Meaning, there would be a sacrifice - there’d still be death. But there’d be life.
This would’ve been very significant to Israel. When God sent the angel of the Lord in Egypt in the 10th plague, Israel was only spared because they had sacrificed a lamb per family. How did Israel, the beloved son of God, live and have a future? Through a lamb. How did Isaac, the beloved son of Abraham live and have a future? Through a lamb. If they trusted the provided lamb, they’d have a future. Beloved, how do you have faith in God’s provision? How will God solve my loneliness? God will provide. He’s provided himself for you already. How will God solve my child’s future? God will provide. He’s provided Jesus for your child to trust in him. How will God solve my financial crisis? God will provide. Jesus paid for your sins to give you an eternal inheritance. How will God solve my health issues? God will provide. Christ died so that you’ll live forever. But what about now? What assures us is this - Romans 8:32 - “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
And so here we see the outworking of that faith. God provided for the faithful. And we see the surrender of the faithful. When they arrived, Abraham built the altar. Verses 9-10 - “And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.” The use of the word “and” in Hebrew shows quick succession of events. This showed his faithfulness to God’s commandments. He didn’t hesitate. And at the same time, for this to happen, we also see the kind of surrender and obedience that Isaac had. He let himself be bound, and he let himself be laid, and he lay there as Abraham stretched out his hand, and he expected to be killed with the knife. There was surrender by both faithful father and son. The father was willing to give up his son, and the son was willing to give up his life. They’re united in their obedience and surrender. Would Israel be like Isaac? Like Abraham? To submit to God? Israel would’ve seen this example of their ancestors - faithful and obedient. How would they fair in the promised land? How would they fair in the wilderness wandering? Despite such a testing, the potential death of a promise and future, they still trusted in God for a future. They knew God would provide. And that moment when they surrendered, God provided for these faithful.
At the moment of the knife, the Angel of the Lord - the preincarnate Christ himself - called out of heaven - “Abraham, Abraham!” He called him twice. A call of tenderness. Like Moses, Moses - go to the people of Israel. Or Martha, Martha - you’re busy with too many things. Or Simon, Simon - Satan wants to shake your faith. Or Jerusalem, Jerusalem - I would’ve saved you. Abraham, Abraham - now I know you fear God. Your faith is proven. You’ve even surrendered your only son to me. And then and there, God provided for the faithful. Verse 13 - Abraham saw a ram caught in a thicket, took it, and sacrificed it instead of his son. Instead of his son! Isaac lived because of a ram. There was death on the mountain. Death of the substitute. But there was life on the mountain. The son lived. Israel lived because of a lamb. We live because of the Lamb of God. And that place was named - Jehovah Jireh - the Lord sees what we need and provides. And the Israelites saw God’s provision in the wilderness. It was a common phrase for them. God provides. But is this a common phrase for us in our times of trouble? We who can’t sleep, can’t wait, can’t rest - because we want certain things done? We think we’re dead if things turn out differently. What’s your response in those times?
Perhaps many of you rush to the borders - and instead of finding a way through, they’re closed. And you despair. Nothing seems to be working. Bombs are dropping everywhere. But God provides. This morning, you’ve come to Mount Zion - to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect! Why should you despair of death? Christ has died for you, that you might live. Where’s your faith that God will provide? That God has already provided for you? And you think you’re not living!
God has promised and provided. And verses 15-18 show us that God’s promise is sure. The Angel of the Lord swears by himself because there’s no one greater, that through Abraham’s offspring all nations will be blessed. Not only does he promise, but he swears to keep his promise. Beloved in Christ, you’re blessed! As Israel was blessed. Don’t you know you have a far better future? Why do you give into sin and despair? Resolve today to put away your sin, your fears, and your earthly ways of doing things. For those who trust in God, he provides you with all that you stand in need of here. He’ll fill your hearts with laughter.
And even in the end of this chapter, which ends in relief and a promise - God also supplies something else for the reader. We hear the news of Rebekah’s birth - the future wife of Isaac. God, even in the midst of this high drama, is quietly weaving the tapestry of redemption, preparing a bride for Isaac. That when Isaac was being offered, the risk of losing the promise, there was already provision for the fulfillment of the promise. Yes, you may be going through difficult times now - but do you believe the Lord that has fulfilled his promise to give you Christ and a future - will he not in his special providence resolve all things for you? But you don’t believe when you try to push through borders. You don’t believe when you try to preserve your life according to your flesh.
What must you do? You will have your mountain of testing. You must see yourself like Isaac, bound to the wood of your sins, deserving the knife. But Christ took up the cross, carrying wood to the hill of Calvary, where at the third hour, he was lifted up for you and killed; like the lamb caught in the thicket of sin, crowned with thorns, to be consumed by God’s holy fire. But on the third day, he arose to remove burden from you, all your fears. So learn to trust. Learn to live by faith. For God provided. Christ will not fail to provide for your every need. For the one in guilt - you have no lamb in your hand to make your life right. For the one who follows Christ weakly - Christ has carried his cross for you. Take up your cross and surrender to follow him. And lay on that altar, your most precious treasures - your plans, your futures, your Isaacs - and trust that God has your future planned.
1. The Test of Faith - Life or Death on the Mountain?
A. Their faith was tested
B. The place of testing
2. The Object of Faith - Life and Death on the Mountain
A. Faith in God’s provision
B. God provides for the faithful
Conversation for Change:
1. We are Isaac, bound to the wood, deserving the knife with no lamb of our own to offer. But why is it difficult for modern sensibilities to admit we’re helpless like Isaac?
2. Many of us deal with sin by denial or by extreme guilt. If we truly believe the knife fell on Christ instead of us, how does that impact our acknowledgment of our sin and how we handle our guilt?
3. Christ took up his cross and denied himself. What must we surrender to God now, which we’re holding onto for our future, so that God may actually bless our future?
* As a matter of courtesy please advise Rev. Mark Chen, if you plan to use this sermon in a worship service. Thank-you.
(c) Copyright 2026, Rev. Mark Chen
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