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SGA Chapel - 10/10/2024 — 10/10/2024 10:00 AM
Today's chapel is led by Cedarville University's Student Government Association. Speaking from Genesis 22, SGA Chaplain Trey Storr teaches us about Jehovah Jireh, and declares that in order for us to live, something has to die; our God has provided a Lamb.
Notes
Yahweh-Jireh: The Lord Will Provide (Genesis 22)
In Genesis 22, God reveals Himself to Abraham as Yahweh-Jireh, “The Lord Will Provide.” This story of Abraham and Isaac is one of faith, obedience, and God’s ultimate provision of a substitute. The narrative points us to the heart of the Gospel, where a Lamb is provided so that we might live.
The Test of Faith
God commands Abraham to offer his son Isaac, the promised child, as a sacrifice. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a heart-wrenching test of Abraham’s faith. Although Abraham doesn’t know it’s a test, he obeys immediately. Genesis 22:3 tells us that Abraham “rose early in the morning” and set off to follow God’s command without hesitation. His obedience shows us that faith isn’t just belief — it’s action. When Isaac asks, “Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (Genesis 22:7), Abraham responds with great faith: “God will provide for himself the lamb” (Genesis 22:8). Even though Abraham doesn’t know how God will intervene, he trusts that the Lord will make a way. Abraham’s obedience and faith lead him to the brink of sacrificing his son, but just as he raises the knife, God intervenes, providing a ram to take Isaac’s place.
Yahweh-Jireh: God’s Faithfulness
At that moment, Abraham calls the place Yahweh-Jireh, meaning “The Lord Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14). God’s provision of the ram as a substitute for Isaac is a powerful display of His faithfulness. Abraham trusted God, and God provided. This test not only confirmed Abraham’s faith but also revealed God’s character as the ultimate provider. This passage challenges us to reflect on our own faith and obedience. What are we holding back from God? Abraham was willing to give everything, even his beloved son. Are we willing to give our lives, our resources, and our plans to the Lord, trusting that He will provide what we need?
Jesus: The Lamb Provided for Us
The story of Abraham and Isaac also points us to the greater provision of Jesus Christ. Just as God provided a ram to save Isaac, He has provided His own Son as the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. We, like Isaac, were bound for death because of our sin, but God provided Jesus as the sacrifice in our place. As Revelation 5:12 declares, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”
Jesus is the fulfillment of Yahweh-Jireh. God provided the ultimate Lamb, not just to spare one life but to give eternal life to all who believe. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has made a way for us to live. In Genesis 22, we see a God who provides — not just for Abraham, but for us. Our God has provided a Lamb, and His name is Jesus.