TODAY’S READING: GENESIS 22-24
OVERVIEW:
Abraham’s willingness to offer his only son, Isaac; God’s reaffirmation of His covenant with Abraham; Sarah’s death; Isaac’s marriage to Rebekah.
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
Genesis 22 is one of the greatest chapters of the entire Bible. It lifts the curtain for the dress rehearsal ofCalvary. In this chapter, God takes out His Divine brush, and paints an unbelievably beautiful picture of the offering of His only begotten Son.
Note the incredible similarities…
- Isaac’s birth was prophesied in Gen. 18:10 – “Sarah thy wife shall have a son.” Christ’s birth was prophesied in Isa. 7:14 – “Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son.”
- Isaac’s birthday was preset – Gen. 21:2 says that Isaac was born “at the set time of which God had spoken to Abraham.” Jesus’ birthday was preset – Gal. 4:4 says, “But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman.”
- Isaac received his name before his birth – Gen. 17:19 says that God told Abraham, “Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son…and thou shalt call his name Isaac.” Jesus received His name before His birth – Matt. 1:21 says that God told Joseph, “And she (Mary) shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus.”
- Isaac was conceived by a miracle – (Gen. 18:11-14). Christ was conceived by a miracle – (Luke1:34-37).
- Isaac was the only begotten son of his father – (Gen. 22:2; Heb.11:17). Jesus was the only begotten Son of His Father – (John3:16).
- There was a particular place God had in mind for Abraham to offer his son. Gen. 22:2 says that it was on one of the mountains in the landof Moriah. Moriah means “chosen by Jehovah.” The land of Moriah was where Jerusalem was at. We know that the mountain that Isaac was offered on was none other than Calvary. We know this based on vs. 14 “In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen”. Notice it didn’t say “it was seen” but it was future tense. Gen. 22:3 says, “And Abraham… and Isaac his son… went unto the place of which God had told him.” Luke23:33 says, “And when they were come to the place, which is calledCalvary, there they crucified him.”
- Both Isaac and Jesus rose from the dead. Isaac rose from the dead, figuratively, after three days (Gen. 22:3-4; Heb.11:19). Jesus, of course, rose from the dead, literally, after three days (I Cor. 15:3-4).
- Isaac walks to the place of sacrifice the Lord had shown his father, carrying the wood that was to be used for his own execution (Gen. 22:5-6). Jesus walked to the place of sacrifice shown Him of His Father, carrying the wood that was to be used for His own execution (John19:17– “And he (Jesus), bearing his cross went forth into a place…which is called…Golgotha”).
Note that the instrument of sacrifice didn’t fall upon Isaac in Gen. 22:9-14. That’s because he was just the picture! One day, 1900 years later, it would fall on the Lord Jesus Christ. Check out the answer Abraham gives his son in verse 8, to the question he asked about where was the lamb to be offered as the sacrifice for sin (v. 7) “Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering (sacrifice for sin.)” Of course, there was the immediate fulfillment in the ram caught in the thicket in verse 13 (i.e. a male lamb wearing a crown of thorns!). But there is a prophetic fulfillment as well! Note that Abraham did not say, “God will provide a lamb for himself.” He distinctly said, “God will provide himself a lamb”! Of course, Jesus was the fulfillment of the picture. John said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)
Notice that when Abraham came down from the mountain there is no mention of Isaac with him. We do not hear anymore of Isaac until he receives his bride. In chapter 22 is a picture of the cross. Chapter 23 is a picture of the “Old Bride” Sarah (Israel) leaving off the scene. Chapter 24 Abraham (The Father) commissioning his servant (Holy Spirit) to go bring his son’s (Christ) bride (church) back.
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
In ISAAC’S WILLINGNESS TO BE OFFERED – Gen. 22:1-14 (Jn3:16; Luke23:33: Heb. 11:19; Jn 1:29)