Day 5 - Isaac and Sacrifice

"So Abraham trusted what God said more than what his eyes could see." (JSB 59)

Ornament: Lamb

Scripture Readings: Genesis 22:1-19
Genesis 26:1-5
John 1:29
James 2:21-23

Verse: John 1:29

Christmas Song: Of the Father's Love Begotten

Hymn: The Lord will Provide

Jesus Storybook Bible: The Present (62-69)
The Biggest Story: Chapter 3 (44-53)

     Faith, sacrifice, and provision. The story of Abraham and Isaac is one of the most powerful pictures we have of God's provision. It is an easy story to gloss over and ignore. Honestly, as a parent, this story terrifies me! But even though this story may raise many questions for us to wrestle with, it also gives us the answer to our fallen state: God will provide. So, instead of dwelling on what I don't understand and know, I will focus on what I know to be true about God. God is the powerful Creator. He is just and must punish sin. God goes to great lengths to dwell with His people. God does whatever it takes to save His people. God provides.

     Abraham did not argue with or suggest other options to God during this whole scenario. He simply had faith and obeyed. Abraham's words say it all, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son" (Gen. 22:8). What faith! Can you imagine the joy when Abraham heard there was a lamb?! I'm pretty sure there was crying and dancing and singing. Abraham believed God even when he couldn't see that lamb. Abraham had faith.

Painting by Sarah Buell Dowling

     Sacrifice is a picture we see all throughout the Bible. It is gruesome, and frankly, not something we like talking about. Sacrifices were happening continually in the Old Testament because of sin, because sin has to be covered. God went to such lengths to save His people that He sent His only Son to be our once for all covering for sin. He was OUR substitute; our Lamb. Instead of being rescued, He rescued us. God had to watch His Son die. Instead of embracing His Son, God turned His face away from His Son so that we could be sons. We can heartily echo the words of John Newton, "we hope to die shouting, the Lord will provide." He has and He always will. 

Tidings and tidbits:

• There is no reading from the Big Picture Bible or The Ology today. If you have been using either of those resources, try simply reading the Scripture passage to your child. 
• Our family enjoys listening to the Messiah and Behold the Lamb. Try pairing a song or two with the readings.