September 15 - Our Providing God

Our Providing God

So Abraham called that place “The Lord Will Provide.” And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22:14

One of the incredible things about many missionary testimonies and books is the way that God incredibly provides in the nick of time and with such practical and incredible answers.  While many times we are tempted to bemoan the fact that God doesn’t ever seem to do that in my life, He really does through the most amazing ways.  Through unexpected provision, through people in chance encounters, through spiritual blessings in many ways, and through circumstances that are far more than coincidence.

You’ve probably heard the story countless times, but let’s recall it together.  There was once an old man trapped on a roof top during flood conditions: A helicopter flew over and a crew member drops a ladder and yells - " grab the ladder."
“Thanks but no thanks” calls the old man. “My God will rescue me. God will provide."
The flood keep rising and before long a rescue team in their little yellow SES boat row up to the roof line and yells at the old man "Hop in. We`ll take you to safety."
The old man replies, "Thanks but no thanks ...my God will rescue me. God will provide. "A little bit later a power boat cruises up to the roof top. A police officer yells at the old man, "Get in or else you’re going to drown."
The old man replies, "Thanks but no thanks ... my God will rescue me. God will provide. "Just as the water is reaching the apex of the roof, a dog that looks like Lassie swims by with a life jacket. the old man just says, "My GOD will rescue me . He will provide." Just then the levy breaks and a wall of water sweeps across the old man`s roof and knocks him off his perch, and he drowns. Now since the man had previously received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord , after arriving in heaven he asks the Lord, " Why didn`t you provide for me? I had such great faith!"
The Lord replied," I sent you a helicopter, A row boat, a power boat and last but not least Lassie. I did provide for you."

I think that just like this old man, we just don’t recognise all the things that God provides for us. We are too blind to see how God provides for us in the day to day lives. He certainly does take care of us, but we don’t give him credit for the things he does for us.

Abraham has waited over 25 years for a son and has finally god has fulfilled his promise. Things are looking up and Abraham has much to be thankful for – God has provided him with a Son, an heir, a promised one.

Now we get to 22:2 and God says to Abraham “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”

Child sacrifice was not  an unusual thing in the period of the patriarchs and even into the kings. It is not what probably not what shocked Abraham the most believe it or not. I think what was hardest for him to accept was the fact that this was his only Son, the son he had waited 25 years for. We are nottold in this narrative what Abraham was thinking as he prepared for the journey. He got the supplies, cut the wood, saddled the donkeys and the little party of four headed out. The silence is conspicuous but Abraham’s mind must have been churning with all sorts of questions…

• “I waited for my son to be born for so many years. Will Sarah and I ever have another one?
• “What will happen to all the promises that God has given to me?
• “How will I ever be able to look Sarah in the face again? How will I be able to return home with the stains of Isaac’s blood on my clothes?”

But despite these, Abraham was resolute in his faith and steadfast in his determination to obey God. In Genesis 22:14, his response to Isaac about the sacrifice is profound. “So Abraham called that place “The Lord Will Provide.” And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Abraham’s faith became a cornerstone of confidence in believing even when it seemed impossible…and God rewarded Him.

Abraham is about to go through with the horrible act when God stops him. The test is complete, Abraham has shown himself completely obedient and faithful and now God provides the way of escape by providing a lamb.

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah Jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. Abraham called that place The Lord will provide or literally, The Lord sees. He sees our needs and he will act on them to provide. How prophetic. Here is where the temple was to be built. Here is where God would dwell among his people and witness their devotion. Here is where he would provide for them forgiveness through the sacrificial system – God would see and in seeing he would provide.

There are 3 things which are completely amazing about God’s Provision:

1) God’s Provision is Timely

God’s provision is perfect because He knows what we need, where we need it and when we need it.

2) God’s Provision is Spiritual
God’s provision is usually the end of process. While our faith is strengthened when God provides, the process leading up to that point is also important.

3) God’s Provision is Continual

Our God is an eternal God who doesn’t change. Hudson Taylor, the great missionary to China said "God’s work, done God’s way, will not lack God’s provision." Abraham proved this again and again – God would provide in every situation. And down through the ages he has provided for his servants

Whatever your need, know that He is the Provider.  He did it then…and He’ll do it again.

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1)What is your greatest point of need today?

2) Let God reveal Himself as you ask for His blessings.

Consider reading the Word today:

Copyright 2014- Terry Risser