” 7 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?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.
9 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. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 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.” 13 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. 14 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.”” Genesis 22:7-14
Jehovah Jireh, God our Provider,
We worship You because we awoke to a new day. With the breath of Your Holy Spirit bringing life to our mortal bodies through Jesus Christ Your Son. Thank you for being our daily strength, not making us younger, but helping us right where we are.
Father, December seems to be galloping on and Christmas is being thought about and planned in homes and churches. That first Christmas was not just a couple of months in the planning, a good idea, a last minute attempt to speak to mankind . Your promise of a Saviour was at the beginning and seen through all the Old Testament.
We cannot understand how Abraham was willing to sacrifice His son and trust You. Isaac was a young man and, more miraculously, he was willing to be bound! They trusted and You provided. The right and appropriate sacrifice..
The ram had been born, grown up and got tangled in exactly the right place at the right time. Jesus the lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29) was born so He could grow up and be our sacrifice in the right place at the right time.
Today, even before we put the baby in the manger on Christmas eve, we marvel that You sent your son. A baby in the right place at the right time. The perfect sacrifice, sinless, willing and obedient to Your will. You were willing, You planned to give You Son. Christmas is all about You, our provider and our provision. We worship You, God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God our provider,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their many individual needs and hopes. We pray with shameless persistence they will know the true meaning of Christmas.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services that visitors will attend. That visitors will be blessed and drawn to come again to meet You not just to sing about baby Jesus.
For those who turn to Your prayer in times of need – help them to meet with You through it.
For our Government, King, Queen and their family and a coming together.
For Gaza and the Middle East, a miracle that will halt the war and enable peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end of war, conflict and bloodshed.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those who are delivering help and aid in difficult times, war zones and places where there is famine, flood or just severe poverty.
For all those who give time to help others, prayers and finances to bless others.
For ourselves, we pray that You would accept our worship, bless us and cheer our day. Help us see Your provision in our own lives.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Meditation – Wednesday 6th December 2023
Alleluia Alleluia
For our Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia Alleluia
For our Load God Almighty reigns
Alleluia
Holy Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are Holy
Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
Amen
Holy Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are Holy
Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
Amen
Lyrics; American composer Samuel Barber (1936) and Michael W Smith