PHILIPPIANS 4:10-20
THE BANNER OF HIS PROVISION
It was the test of a lifetime. Nothing like midterms or final exams. It was the greatest test of Abraham’s faith. The father of faith had to choose to believe that God was able to do the impossible and raise his son from the dead. Abraham grabbed his hiking boots and climb the highest mountain of his spiritual journey with his most precious gift, his son Isaac. In this test of faith, Abraham would discover that God’s name was Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides.
We may find ourselves climbing a similar mountain in our spiritual pilgrimage. Before we get too tied down to this world, we must realize we were made for a world to come. On our spiritual trek to the throne of God, we may be tested like Abraham. What do we consider to be the most important thing in our life? Our spouse or children? Our money? Our job or career? A certain possession?
Would we be willing to offer it to God if He asked for it? Would we lay it today on the altar? We stop and consider this because God may want it from us today. When God tested Abraham in this way, God revealed Himself as the God who can provide. He can see to the need of the moment.
One commentator has noted that the name Jehovah-Jireh is a reminder that God has prevision and provision. God has the power to supply and sees ahead what needs to be provided. His prevision dictates His provision. We worship a God who has omniscience to every life situation and omnipotence to supply for every situation. The Faithful Father provides for His own. Amen and Amen!
Before the creation of the world, God had a prior vision of man’s rebellion and sin. God made a provision of a sacrifice when He sent Jesus to die for our sins. Ponder that fresh and anew this morning. We are dependent beings, needing God to provide. He provides for the physical needs of His created order. He also made a provision for the spiritual needs of the created order. If He loved us so much to send His Son and supply for our dire spiritual needs, what will He withhold from our other needs in life?
Paul reminded the Philippians of this great truth. My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in Christ Jesus. What need do you have today? Is it physical, spiritual, emotional, or material? Is it food, clothing, shelter, grace, mercy, love, healing, hope, or help? Lift the banner of the name Jehovah-Jireh and trust Him to supply and see to it! He never forgets the sparrows – and He never forgets us (Matt 6:25-34).
Pastor Chris Thompson