Theology for Everybody: RomansSample

(Continued from Day 95)

Abraham’s son Isaac grew up to be a healthy and strong man who loved the Lord and his parents. Abraham is now an elderly man, and God shows up to give him the greatest faith test yet. The Lord tells this doting father to sacrifice his son as a burnt offering (see Genesis 22:2).

Hebrews 11:19 says Abraham trusted God so deeply that he believed that even if he killed his son, God would raise Isaac from the dead. That is profound faith. Not only is Abraham the prototype of faith, but his son Isaac is also the prototype of Jesus.

Abraham is about to slaughter his son when the angel of the Lord (Jesus) shows up and provides a ram for the sacrifice. Sometimes there are people and things that God wants us to lay on the altar and be willing to sacrifice. It doesn’t mean we must actually sacrifice them, but we need to be willing to do so. It’s a test to see if we love God more than anything else. Abraham passed the test.

The following are 16 points of comparison between Isaac and the Greater Isaac, Jesus:

1. Isaac and Jesus were both born in accordance with the promises given many years prior.

2. Isaac and Jesus were both born at the appointed time, after years of waiting.

3. Isaac and Jesus were both born of miracles.

4. Isaac and Jesus were both firstborn sons positionally.

5. Isaac and Jesus were both dearly loved by their fathers.

6. Isaac and Jesus both left their fathers’ homes (Beersheba and heaven, respectively).

7. Isaac and Jesus both journeyed for three days. Isaac went from Beersheba to Moriah. Jesus went from the cross to the empty tomb.

8. Isaac and Jesus were both escorted by two men to their place of sacrifice. Two servants joined Isaac, and two thieves joined Jesus.

9. Isaac and Jesus were both young men who carried the wood for their sacrifices on their backs.

10. Isaac and Jesus both willingly submitted their lives to their fathers.

11. Isaac and Jesus were both laid down as an offering for sin.

12. Isaac and Jesus both asked their fathers a question. Isaac asked, “Where is the Lamb?” Jesus asked, “Why have you forsaken me?”

13. Jesus is the angel of the Lord who spared Isaac and died for sin.

14. Isaac was a promise that God would provide, and Jesus was that provision.

15. Isaac was raised from death figuratively. Jesus was raised from death literally.

16. Isaac and Jesus both went forth to be with their brides: Rebecca and the Church, respectively.

Today’s Reflection

Are you trusting in the sign or the means of your relationship with God?