Genesis 22:13-14 “Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a bush. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering on the altar in place of his son. Abraham named the place ‘The LORD Will Provide.'”
The pictures above are four individual pictures from a drama that Caleb and I acted out. I’m sure you’ve already figured out the story. But for most of the people it was the first time they’d ever seen it, and definitely the first time they’ve ever heard it explained this way. That God provided a sacrifice in Isaac’s place. We all are under condemnation, but God provided a substitution on our behalf! As
Personally I was very moved as I acted out the scene. I couldn’t hold back the tears even in the drama, and afterwards I looked out into the crowd and saw many heads down and heard sniffles rolling through the crowd. It was a powerful moment.
After the teaching Epox got up and said, “I want to say something. You all pay attention! God has shown you today that He is waiting on us to change our thinking and follow His way. We are all sinners and deserve death just like Isaac, but Got is holding up the knife waiting for us. What will we do? Will we listen to Him and follow His way or we will just die. Each of you should decide.” Praise God for this response!
And then Musawe got up and said, “We have all just seen that drama, and here’s what I think. Just as Isaac had his hands and legs bound up waiting for death so we are bound to sin and there is nothing we can do. But God provided that lamb that was caught by its horns so that it would be an acceptable sacrifice in Isaac’s place. I think the Promised Deliverer will do this kind of work. Because God said the Deliverer will save us from sin and Satan.” God is so good.
Still I’m fighting back the tears as I see what God is doing here. God is showing them so clearly that He is worthy of praise because mankind is helpless in sin and God himself is providing a way of escape. We all have been challenged by the people’s childlike faith. We westerners have a tendency to explain away everything, but these guys here just accept it completely as truth. It’s awesome and refreshing.
Thank you all for you steadfast prayers. I am convinced that things are going to so well because of you all storming the gates for us! I wish you could be here and catch a glimpse of what God is doing here. Everyone is still coming to the teaching every day. They listen to the tapes and read the summary sheets every night. It’s just awesome. Nine more weeks to go, but already these people are so close to the kingdom!
Next Week lessons for your prayers: Monday – God guided and protected Joseph. Tuesday – God promoted Joseph and took Jacob’s family into Egypt. Wednesday – God preserved the Israelites and protected Moses. Thursday – God chose Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery. Friday – The Lord sent plagues on the Egyptians.
You Coworkers in PNG, Gary & Esther Smith
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