Daily EncouragementSample

This is an infinite pathos in Isaac’s question, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” And yet it is the question which should be on the lips of every sinful son of man as he contemplates approaching God, who is holy. Again, it is the question framed by all lesser sacrifices which look forward to “the one perfect sacrifice for sins for ever.” “Where is the lamb?” they seem to say.

“God himself will provide the lamb.” Abraham’s answer is the ultimate answer to man’s deepest questions, for these concern his relation as a sinner to the most holy God. Some inkling of what “providing the lamb” meant to God is revealed by this account of Abraham offering “his one and only son,” reasoning that “God could raise the dead and, figuratively speaking, (receiving him) back from death” (Heb. 11:17-19).

“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). In the Baptist’s cry Isaac’s question is finally answered, the meaning of Abraham’s answer is fully revealed and the gospel is proclaimed:

Happy, if with my latest breath
I may but gasp His name;
Preach Him to all, and cry in death,
‘Behold, behold the Lamb!
(Charles Wesley)