“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 ESV
From today’s title, you’re probably humming one or two popular songs about God being a provider and making available our personal needs. While you may be correct, there’s a deeper meaning and context to the word.
The word “Jehovah Jireh” occurred only once in the Old Testament and it was uttered by Abraham in Genesis 22:14. It means “Jehovah Sees,” and more contextually, “God will see to it.” Why did Abraham say this? He did because God had just provided a ram in place of his son, Isaac.
Many times, we take the story of Abraham sacrificing Isaac (Genesis 22) at face value. Some of us might view it as God testing Abraham but as good Bible students, we ought to know that the scriptures testify of Jesus. Therefore, the Old Testament should be explained by the New Testament.
When we study the book of Hebrews, we have a clearer picture of the events that took place in Genesis 22.
“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.” Hebrews 10:1 ESV
We see here that the sacrifice of animals in the Old Testament was never enough to cleanse sins. God by providing a ram for Abraham’s sacrifice was used to typify Jesus and His coming sacrifice. That ram replaced Isaac, just like Christ took our place and died for us. John put it perfectly when he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 ESV
Also, the story of Abraham sacrificing Isaac typifies the story of God sacrificing Jesus. Isaac, like Jesus, was Abraham’s only begotten son through the lens of faith. Isaac carried the wood of sacrifice without protest, like Christ also carried his wooden cross without complaint (Isaiah 53:7). It took them 3 days to get to the mountain of sacrifice, just as Jesus resurrected after 3 days.
Like Paul exclaimed, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33 ESV). Dear believer, this should stir up worship in you that God has had your salvation plan mapped out even before He created the world (Ephesians 1:4).
In salvation, He is Jireh! Before you recognised a need, He had already recognised and provided it. He shows His providence by making the provision for salvation even before we knew we needed saving. What a providential God!
SAY THIS: He made the first move for me! He is the initiator and the executor of my salvation, the author and the finisher of my saving faith!
Bible Reading Plan:
Mark 5:1-20, 1 Corinthians 9:1-12, Psalms 82, Judges 1-3.