Young Isaac was perplexed. Doubtless, he had seen his faithful father sacrifice burnt offerings to Jehovah before, but this time was different. "My Father! Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" said Isaac in Genesis 22:7. Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself a lamb for the burnt offering." For a little while, at least, this must have set the boy's mind at ease. Little did he know that he was God's provision.
God provides. He always has, and always will. As a prime example of fatherhood, He is providing for His children. This is what is meant by God's providence.
We are in deep water when we discuss such a magnificent subject. It is doubtful that any man can fully understand or comprehend the ways in which God makes His provisions for us. But our inability to fully see how God's providence works does not make an anachronism of such providence. I may not fully understand electricity. Yet my failure to understand it completely does not prevent me from using its power. Neither do I deny it exists. Just because I cannot explain its workings in detail does not mean it is of no benefit to me. And so it is with God's provisions for both my body and spirit. The English word providence appears only once in the King James Bible. Tertullus, the orator commended Governor Felix for his providence toward the Jewish nation. The New King James uses the word foresight which really gets to the heart of the meaning of the Greek word.
God's foresight for His creatures is taught throughout Scripture. God asked Job, "Who provides food for the raven?" In His mountain sermon, Jesus expands these provisions beyond the natural world for men and women who see God's kingdom. Rather than make the sum of our lives a frantic search for food, clothing, and shelter, Jesus teaches that we should remember that our Heavenly Father knows we have these needs! All these things (food, clothing, shelter) which God provides for the birds of the air, and the lilies of the field will also be provided for us if we serve God first. Why is this so? Man is more valuable to God than birds or flowers! Jesus is not endorsing laziness, slothfulness, or a "welfare" mentality. But He is to get us to see the necessity of faith in God - faith that He will provide if we serve Him faithfully and expectantly. It is faithless to expect anything less from our Father. Could we dare think our Father would abandon His children and leave us to fend for ourselves? How unthinkable!
MR
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