Provides…

 Provides….

Finishing Genesis with provision…I thought it interesting that Joseph promised provision for his family, when they fearfully wondered how he would react toward them after the death of their father…he loved them, forgave them, cared for them, brought them under his care…but they still feared…but God had provided their sustenance….food foretold, saved for the time of famine…land for them in which to dwell…

It reminded me of Abraham a few generations before, walking up the mountain with his son, Isaac…to sacrifice, in obedience to God’s direction…was there a bit of fear in either Isaac or Abraham? Abraham declares, “God will provide….”

And He did with a ram “caught in a thicket”, nearby…

As  we move forward into historical accounts, God provides food, water for the Israelites in the desert, the promised land in which to dwell, filled with food not of their labors…

God Provides….thank YOU….

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. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” 

And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 

Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” 

So they went both of them together. 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 22:6-8,14

So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Genesis 50:21

Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 

Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. 

He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. 

He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.

Psalm 111:1-5