“And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Genesis 22:7
Abraham’s journey to fatherhood was fraught with battles, mistakes, and struggles. Finally, when he had his long-awaited son, he faced an unimaginable test from God: to sacrifice this very son. Abraham’s obedience was steadfast, but this was only a test from God.
In this pivotal moment, Isaac asked what might be one of the most significant questions in human history: “Where is the lamb?”
For Isaac, the lamb symbolized several truths.
First and foremost, it was his salvation. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he knew only a lamb could substitute for him, sparing his life. This lamb was his escape from imminent danger, a gateway to continue living and serving the Lord. Without this lamb, his future endeavors and life itself would be impossible.
Today, we find ourselves echoing Isaac’s question: Where is the lamb? Like for Isaac, the lamb symbolizes our salvation. “And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering…” Genesis 22:8
This statement is deeply prophetic. It foretells how God would manifest in the flesh and become the Lamb of God, as John the Baptist declared in the New Testament.
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29b
This Lamb is our salvation, not just for our earthly life but for our eternal souls, just as it was for Isaac. But the significance of the lamb extends beyond salvation. As I Corinthians 10:13 states, the lamb is also our escape.
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
In Abraham and Isaac’s story, a ram takes Isaac’s place on the altar. However, Jesus Christ came to offer a more certain escape from all temptations we face. As followers of Christ, we can overcome worry and trials, for we are more than conquerors through Him.
Lastly, the lamb represents something even better – our hope for a brighter future. The Lamb of God is not just our Savior and escape; He is the promise of a better tomorrow.
With the hope of heaven and a more fulfilling life on earth, God, through His Son, offers us more than we can ask or imagine, as Ephesians 3:20-21 beautifully articulates.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
In conclusion, the question “Where is the lamb?” holds timeless relevance. It is a reminder of the profound hope, salvation, and promises we have in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.
