Genesis 22 is simultaneously one of the most heart aching and beautiful chapters in the Bible. It’s the story of God’s provision for redemption. The story of a father’s willingness to give up what He loves most in worship of God. The story of a son’s quiet trust and obedience to his father, even unto death.

At this key moment in Redemptive History, the Lord tests Abraham’s faith, upping the stakes four times in succession, saying: “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love… and offer him there as a burnt offering” (Gen. 22:2). Oh, what must have been going on in Abraham’s mind, but more painfully, in his heart. After the covenant promises, ceremony, and sign, how could this make sense? The Lord had miraculously given a son to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. As far as the covenant is concerned Isaac is Abraham’s only son. How sweet Isaac’s name must have been to Abraham’s ears. And if the first three weren’t enough, God reminds Abraham of his love for his son, Isaac.

Yet we see no hesitation from Abraham. Instead, he rises “early in the morning,” in worshipful obedience, to do what God commands. On the way, Isaac asks a question that makes tears well up in the eyes of any father reading this account: “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (Gen. 22:7b). Abraham’s response? “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son” (Gen. 22:8a).

As the story unfolds, the Lord indeed provides the sacrifice to die in Isaac’s place. The foreshadowing of Christ in this gripping narrative is potent. It points forward to the day when God would provide the ultimate Lamb for sacrifice: God’s own Son, His only Son. Jesus, Whom He loves. All to make good on His covenant promises to His children. The difference is, there’s no ram in the thicket for Christ. There’s no substitute for Him. He is the substitute for you and me.

Because of our sin, we deserve death (Rom. 6:23). God’s holiness commands it. But Christ sheds His blood in our place that we may go free. This is a glorious truth worth celebrating. In fact, we do this as we partake in the Lord’s Supper every week. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

“Lamb of God” is meant to help us remember Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross to fully pay for our sin, past, present, and future. As we are united in Christ, His death is our death, and His resurrection is our resurrection to new life. There is no greater love!

- Jonathan

Lamb of God

Written by Andi Rozier, Jason Ingram, & Meredith Andrews

Lyrics:

VERSE 1
You came from heaven’s throne (Jn 3:13; 6:38)
Acquainted with our sorrow (Is 53:3)
To trade the debt we owe (2 Cor 5:21)
Your suffering for our freedom (Ac 13:39; 1 Pt 3:18)

CHORUS
The Lamb of God in my place (Is 53:5, 7; 1 Pt 2:24)
Your blood poured out (Mt 26: 28; 1 Pt 1:19)
My sin erased (Ps 103:12; Is 1:18; Col 2:14; 1 Jn 1:7)
It was my death You died (Rm 6:6, 23, 5:8; Gal 1:4)
I am raised to life (Rm 6:5, 22; 1 Pt 2:24)
Hallelujah! The Lamb of God (Jn 1:29; Rev 5:11-13)

VERSE 2
My name upon Your heart (Jn 10:28-29; Rev 21:27)
My shame upon Your shoulders (Is 53:4)
The power of sin undone (Rm 8:1; 1 Jn 2:2, 3:5)
The cross for my salvation (Jn 3:36; Gal 3:13)

BRIDGE
There is no greater love (Jn 15:13, Heb 12:2)
There is no greater love (Rm 5:8)
The Savior lifted up (Jn 3:14; Phil 2:9; Heb 1:3)
There is no greater love (Jn 3:16)