"Thankful for the God Who Provides"

Opening: A Thanksgiving Perspective

Good morning, and happy Thanksgiving season! This is the time of year when we pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the many blessings in our lives—our families, our health, and the provisions that sustain us each day. It’s a season filled with joy and celebration, and our hearts are naturally drawn to thankfulness.

But if we’re honest, it’s not always easy to give thanks, is it? Life brings its share of challenges, uncertainties, and moments that test our faith. What happens when life isn’t going as planned? How do we remain thankful when the future is uncertain or when we feel like we’re climbing a mountain with no end in sight?

Today, we’re going to look at a story in Scripture that challenges and inspires us to trust in God’s faithfulness in all circumstances—the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. At first glance, this may not seem like a typical Thanksgiving passage. After all, it’s about a test of unimaginable faith and obedience. But as we walk through this story verse by verse, we’ll see a powerful message about the God who provides, even in the most difficult moments of life.

Abraham’s journey shows us how to trust God fully, obey Him wholeheartedly, and give thanks for His faithfulness, even when we don’t yet see the end of the story. And as we explore this passage, we’ll discover how it speaks to us today, encouraging us to live lives of gratitude—not just for what God gives but for who He is.

So as we reflect on Thanksgiving, let’s prepare our hearts to encounter the God who is worthy of our trust, our obedience, and our praise. Let’s journey with Abraham to discover what it truly means to be thankful for the God who provides.

Introduction

Genesis 22:1–18 HCSB

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. “Take your son,” He said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac. He split wood for a burnt offering and set out to go to the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac. In his hand he took the fire and the sacrificial knife, and the two of them walked on together. Then Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “My father.” And he replied, “Here I am, my son.” Isaac said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Then the two of them walked on together. When they arrived at the place that God had told him about, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He replied, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from Me.” Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said: “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.” Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, “By Myself I have sworn,” this is the Lord’s declaration: “Because you have done this thing and have not withheld your only son, I will indeed bless you and make your offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your offspring will possess the gates of their enemies. And all the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring because you have obeyed My command.”

Good morning! As we prepare for Thanksgiving, we focus on gratitude—not only for what God gives but for who He is. Today, we’ll walk through Genesis 22:1–18, one of the most challenging and profound stories in Scripture, verse by verse. Abraham’s faith in God and God’s ultimate provision teach us to give thanks in all circumstances.

History

Why Was Genesis 22 Written? A Brief History

Genesis 22, often called The Binding of Isaac (Aqedah in Hebrew), is a key passage in the Bible that serves several theological and historical purposes. It was written as part of the Pentateuch, traditionally attributed to Moses, and reflects the central themes of God’s covenant, faith, and provision. Here's the context and purpose behind this powerful scripture:

Historical Context

Abraham’s Role in Salvation History:

Abraham is the father of faith and the recipient of God’s covenant, which promises that his descendants will become a great nation through which all nations will be blessed (Genesis 12:1–3). Genesis 22 is a pivotal moment in his story, testing his faith in the promise of God.By demonstrating unwavering trust in God, Abraham becomes an example of faith for Israel and all believers.

Early Near Eastern Practices:

Child sacrifice was not uncommon in the ancient Near East as part of pagan worship. This story highlights the stark contrast between the God of Israel, who forbids such practices, and the false gods of surrounding nations. Instead of requiring Isaac's life, God provides a ram, showcasing His nature as a God who values life and provides for His people.

Purpose of the Passage

Testing and Growth of Faith:

This account emphasizes the testing of Abraham’s faith, demonstrating that true obedience requires complete trust in God, even in situations beyond understanding.The story also teaches future generations of Israel the importance of trusting God in their own trials.

Revelation of God’s Character:

God is revealed as Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide), foreshadowing His ultimate provision for humanity through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Foreshadowing Christ’s Sacrifice:

Isaac, the beloved son carrying the wood for his sacrifice, parallels Jesus carrying the cross. The substitution of the ram prefigures Christ as the substitute for humanity’s sin.This connection highlights God’s redemptive plan, tying Abraham’s story to the greater narrative of salvation.

Covenant Confirmation:

This event reinforces God’s covenant with Abraham, showing that faith and obedience are rewarded. The blessings promised in verses 16–18—descendants as numerous as the stars and blessings for all nations—are directly tied to Abraham’s faith.

Why It Matters

Genesis 22 was written to teach Israel, and ultimately all of us, about faith, obedience, and God’s provision. It served as a reminder to the Israelites during their own trials that God is faithful and His promises are sure. For Christians, it points to the ultimate provision in Jesus Christ, making it a cornerstone of understanding God’s plan for redemption.

In essence, Genesis 22 demonstrates that the God of the Bible is both a tester of faith and the ultimate provider, worthy of trust and thanksgiving in every circumstance.

Verse 1: God’s Test

"After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, 'Abraham!' And he said, 'Here I am.'"

Abraham’s story begins with God testing his faith. Notice Abraham’s immediate response: “Here I am.” This shows a readiness to hear and obey God.Lesson: Thanksgiving starts with a heart ready to respond to God, even when we don’t know what He’s asking. Gratitude grows when we trust that every test is an opportunity for God to work in our lives.

Verse 2: The Command

"He said, 'Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.'"

This command must have shocked Abraham. Isaac represented the fulfillment of God’s promises. Yet Abraham was asked to surrender him.Lesson: Sometimes God asks us to trust Him with what we hold most dear. Thanksgiving means believing that God’s plans are good, even when they are difficult to understand.

Verses 3-4: Immediate Obedience

"So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar."

Abraham doesn’t delay; he acts immediately. His journey takes three days, giving him plenty of time to reconsider, but he remains obedient.Lesson: Gratitude is expressed through obedience. When we trust God’s plan, even when it’s unclear, we demonstrate true thanksgiving.

Verse 5: Faith in God’s Provision

"Then Abraham said to his young men, 'Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.'"

Abraham’s words, “we will come again to you,” reveal his faith. He trusts that God will somehow fulfill His promise.Lesson: Thanksgiving is rooted in faith. Even when we face trials, we can give thanks, trusting that God will provide.

Verses 6-8: Trust in Action

"And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, 'My father!' And he said, 'Here I am, my son.' He said, 'Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?' Abraham said, 'God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.' So they went both of them together."

Isaac’s question shows his innocence and trust, while Abraham’s answer demonstrates his confidence in God’s provision.Lesson: Thanksgiving flows from trusting God for what we cannot yet see. Abraham’s faith reminds us to depend on God’s faithfulness, even when we don’t know the outcome.

Verses 9-10: The Ultimate Test

"When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son."

Abraham follows through, fully trusting God. This moment highlights the depth of his faith.Lesson: True thanksgiving involves surrender—placing everything we hold dear in God’s hands. Gratitude grows when we trust God with our most precious things.

Verses 11-12: God’s Intervention

"But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, 'Abraham, Abraham!' And he said, 'Here I am.' He said, 'Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.'"

God intervenes and spares Isaac, affirming Abraham’s faith. This shows God’s faithfulness and His desire for our hearts, not our sacrifices.Lesson: Thanksgiving celebrates God’s mercy and faithfulness. He often provides a way when we see no way forward.

Verses 13-14: The Lord Will Provide

"And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, 'The Lord will provide'; as it is said to this day, 'On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.'"

God provides a ram for the sacrifice, demonstrating His provision. This moment points forward to God’s ultimate provision in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.Lesson: Thanksgiving is recognizing that God is our provider—not just for our daily needs but for our ultimate salvation.

Verses 15-18: God’s Promise Renewed

"And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, 'By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.'"

God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, promising blessings that will impact all nations through his obedience.Lesson: Thanksgiving acknowledges that our faithfulness and gratitude can impact generations to come.

Conclusion

The story of Abraham and Isaac teaches us to be thankful in all circumstances—not only for what God provides but for who He is. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s trust God in the tests, obey Him in faith, and rejoice in His provision. Above all, let us give thanks for the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who provides for our greatest need.

Let us pray.

Closing Prayer

Let us bow our heads and pray.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude. Thank You for the powerful reminder from Your Word today that You are our provider—Jehovah Jireh. You have shown us through Abraham’s story that You are faithful, even in the tests and trials of life. You call us to trust You, and for that, we give You thanks.

Lord, we thank You for the greatest provision of all, Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who took away our sins and gave us the gift of eternal life. May our hearts overflow with thanksgiving, not just for the blessings we see but for Your unfailing love and faithfulness that guide us each day.

As we now prepare to gather around the table, we ask for Your blessing on the meal we are about to share. Thank You for the hands that prepared it and for the fellowship we enjoy as brothers and sisters in Christ. May this meal be a time of joy, gratitude, and love as we celebrate Your goodness together.

Bless our conversations, strengthen our relationships, and remind us that everything we have comes from Your hand. May we carry hearts of thanksgiving not just today but every day, living lives that reflect our trust in You.

We pray all this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus, our Savior and Provider. Amen.