Today’s reading: Gen 21:22–23:20, Matt 15:1–39, Eccles 5:1–7
Today’s theme: Jesus the Lamb of God
Today we see one of the greatest Old Testament prophecies concerning Jesus as the Lamb of God. Isaac and the Ram both represent Jesus who died on the cross for us.
Genesis 21:22–23:20
Eternal God
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. Genesis 21:33 (ESV)
Our God (Father, Son and Spirit) had no beginning and will have no end, God is everlasting, what an awesome attribute which belongs to God alone.
Isaac points to Jesus
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. Genesis 22:6 (ESV)
While this is a factual account, like much of the old testament we see a shadow here too. Isaac foreshadows Christ as the sacrifice for our sins and the wood for the sacrifice is in place of the cross Jesus bore.
The Lord provided himself as a lamb
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 22:14 (ESV)
…. and the Lord did provide, on the same mountain Jesus was provided as the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for the many who would put their faith in him.
Matthew 15:1–39
God above tradition
he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. Matthew 15:6 (ESV)
All our traditions and cultural ways must be subject to the truth and authority of God’s word and not directly or subtly against it. Lord keep us from man centered thinking, help us to treasure you and your word above everything.
We need new hearts
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” Matthew 15:19–20 (ESV)
This is why we need new hearts through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. We must be born again and then continually transformed by the renewing of our minds in Christ.
Ecclesiastes 5:1–7
Just say yes or no
Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? Ecclesiastes 5:6 (ESV)
This is why Jesus taught us that our communication should simply be a straight yes or no, we should not bind ourselves with vows that we may not be able to keep
Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014