No Substitutes

Abraham continues his journey to sacrifice (at God’s command) his long awaited and promised son. 

Genesis 22:5-8 ⁵ He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.” ⁶ Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, ⁷ Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” ⁸ Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

I know there are many parallels in this passage to God sacrificing His only Son Jesus, but what stood out to me this time is Isaac’s question. His father had diligently prepared for the journey and brought the needed wood and fire and knife, but why didn’t he bring a lamb? That’s a very a good question, especially since we know Abraham had hundreds or thousands of sheep and cattle (Gen 13:2, 20:14). Why didn’t he bring one along just in case?

I think Abraham intended to do exactly what God commanded, no substitutes. Abraham also knew God’s character well enough to know he could trust God’s command. God had promised his son Isaac and had delivered on that promise along with so many other promises. God would remain faithful some way and somehow. Plus, I love how Abraham answers – “God himself will provide the lamb.” God will always help us accomplish what He asks of us.

Do you and I think some of God’s commands are too difficult to follow? What about loving our neighbor as ourselves or telling others about the truths of God? In our own strength, they are too difficult, but God will help us accomplish what He’s commanded. We can trust Him just like Abraham did.