Friday, September 22, 2006

Genesis Chapter 22 "Jehovah-jireh" Part 3

In part 3 of Genesis 22 we will look at the chapter in a different light.

As I said this is a picture, a forethought, of the coming sacrifice of Jesus. It reveals the willingness of a father to sacrifice his only son as an offering for sin. God, ultimately, did not require Abraham to sacrifice his son. God the Father did make this sacrifice with his son for the sake of the world.

Notice verse 8 again "And Abraham said My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering..." I cannot help but notice how this reads: 'provide himself' . God in the person of Jesus Christ gave 'himself' as the lamb without spot or blemish.

I heard a story about a judge who had a son who did something wrong. The son came before the judge (his father) for his sentence. The judge told the defendant the penalty for his wrong. "The penalty must be paid." The judge said. "But I do not have any money." The son said to the judge. The judge stepped off the bench and removed his robe. He walks to the clerk and hands over the exact amount needed to pay the penalty. He then puts back on his robe and sits in the judges seat. "I see the penalty has been paid." The judge says to the defendant. "You are free to go."

Who but our heavenly Father was able to pay the awesome cost of sin. In the person of Jesus, he stepped from the throne, took off his royal robe and laid down his life as a ransom for many. He was the lamb that God provided.

Hebrews 2:9 "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."

Proverbs 21:3 "To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."

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