AN OLD TESTAMENT CALVARY.
From Genesis 22:2 we read these words, “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest… and offer him there for a burnt offering.”
AN OLD TESTAMENT CALVARY.
There are some passages of Scripture that you don’t just read, you feel. Genesis 22 is one of those for me. Every time I come back to it, I’m reminded that this is more than a story about Abraham and Isaac… it is a powerful picture of Calvary, long before the cross ever stood. Notice the words God used: “thy son… thine only son… whom thou lovest.” Those words are deeply personal and they point forward to the day when God the Father would give His only begotten Son, the One He loved beyond what we can comprehend.
THE FATHER WHO WAS WILLING.
Imagine how heavy Abraham’s heart was as he journeyed to Mount Moriah. For three days, every step was taken knowing what God had asked of him. As a father of two sons, that kind of obedience is to overwhelming for me to even consider. Yet this moment points to an even greater truth. God the Father would one day watch His own Son walk toward Calvary. Abraham did not fully understand… but God did.
The cross was never God’s backup plan. He did not look down and say, “Mankind has failed so now I must send My Son.” Long before creation, God already knew what our sin would cost Him (1 Peter 1:20). And still, He chose to create us because He loved us that much.
THE SON WHO CARRIED THE WOOD.
The Bible tells us that Isaac carried the wood up the mountain. Just as Isaac carried the wood for the sacrifice, Jesus carried the cross. Step by step, both sons walked toward the place of sacrifice.
THE QUESTION THAT STILL ECHOES.
As they walked up the mountain, Isaac looked at his father and asked, “Where is the lamb?” That simple question doesn’t stop on Mount Moriah…it echoes through the entire Old Testament. Abraham answered with assurance, “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb.” In that moment, he spoke more than he fully understood. Years later, that question was finally answered. When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming, he pointed and declared, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
THE SUBSTITUTE ON THE MOUNTAIN. At the last moment, God provided a ram to take Isaac’s place. Isaac lived because another died. That is the heart of Calvary. Jesus became our substitute. He took our place. The punishment meant for us fell on Him. He didn’t just die for us. He died instead of us. Jesus didn’t just die for everyone, dear friend, He die for you!
THE PLACE OF THE SACRIFICE. This is amazing to me. Mount Moriah would later become the region of Jerusalem, the very place where, centuries later, another Father would offer His Son. But this time, there would be no substitute. Jesus went all the way to the cross so that we could be forgiven.
A PERSONAL REMINDER. Every time I read this passage, I see the shadow of Calvary that falls across it. Long before it happened, God was already painting the picture. Abraham was willing to give his son, but God actually gave His Son. Because of that, we have hope, forgiveness, and eternal life. This truth ought to bring us to our knees in thankfulness.
Here’s my prayer today…
“Lord, thank You this Easter season for the beautiful picture You gave us in Genesis 22. Long before Calvary, You were showing the world what You would one day do through Your Son. Help me never take the cross for granted, and help me live each day in gratitude for what Jesus has done for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.”