The LORD Who Sees

Genesis 22:11-19

INTRODUCTION: Life can be just downright hard to bear. In fact, there are times where you wonder if anyone, including God, is aware of the circumstances that seem to pain you at any given time. It’s likely Abraham felt these things as he too experienced the difficulties of life.

I. THE PAINS PRIOR TO ISAAC’S BIRTH

A. Abraham’s Lack of Family (Genesis 12:1)

1. Abraham was called to separate from his home and family.
2. Lot went with him for a space of time, but they finally separated in Genesis 13:10-12.

B. Sarah’s Barrenness (Genesis 11:30)

C. The Promise of God (Genesis 12:3; see Genesis 13:15; Genesis 15:1-6)

1. Initially given when Abraham was seventy-five years old
2. Not fulfilled until twenty-five years later (Genesis 21:5)

D. The Foolish Decision with Hagar (Genesis 16:1-16)

1. The initial promise was given when Abraham was seventy-five years old.
2. Ishmael was born when Abraham was eighty-six years old (Genesis 16:16).

E. The Troubles for Lot (Genesis 19:1-38)

F. Abraham’s Deception Concerning Sarah (Genesis 20:1-18)

II. THE PAINS IN ISAAC’S LIFE (Genesis 21:9-21)

A. The Mockery of Isaac (Genesis 21:9)

B. The Sending Away of Ishmael (Genesis 21:10-21)

1. Sarah requested that Ishmael be sent away (Genesis 21:10-13).
2. Abraham agreed and sent away Ishmael (Genesis 21:14-21).

III. THE PAINS OF THE JOURNEY (Genesis 22:1-10)

A. The Knowledge of the Journey (Genesis 22:1-2)

1. All along the way, Abraham possessed knowledge concerning the purpose of the trip.
2. It is not known whether Sarah knew, and it seems probable that Isaac did not fully know.

B. The Length of the Journey (Genesis 22:3-4)

1. Abraham had no time to process the news (Genesis 22:3).
2. This had to be the longest three days of Abraham’s life (Genesis 22:4).

C. The Questions Asked (Genesis 22:5-10)

1. Maybe by Sarah and Isaac before or during the journey
2. Maybe by the young men at the sight
3. By Isaac on the way up the mount (Genesis 22:5-7)
4. Maybe Abraham asking himself (Genesis 22:8-10; Hebrews 11:17-19)

IV. THE PRESENCE OF JEHOVAHJIREH (Genesis 22:11-19)

A. The Definition

1. It is a compound name of God.
2. According to the passage, it basically means, the LORD who sees.

B. The Truth

1. It identifies two aspects of the same truth.
2. The LORD sees.
3. The LORD provides based upon what He sees.

CONCLUSION: What are you going through right now? Would it encourage you to know that the LORD sees? Not only does He see, but He will show up in your life and provide what you need the most!