Yahweh-Jireh: The LORD Will Provide

Consider what you might take on a journey. Would you pack your pajamas, toothbrush, and a pair of shoes? Often, we can anticipate our basic needs.

However, sometimes we encounter the unexpected. Imagine discovering a caterpillar during your travels. You wouldn’t have thought to bring a jar because that would be a surprise. We can't foresee every need.

But God is always one step ahead. He knows our needs today, tomorrow, and far into the future. This is because El Roi, the God Who Sees, has sight over all things—at every moment and across our entire lives. Thus, He never overlooks what we will require, unlike us who might forget something essential when packing.

What accounts from the Bible demonstrate God’s foresight and care for His children?

God is known as Yahweh-Jireh, the LORD Will Provide. This means He attentively meets the needs of His followers. He supplies not only what they are aware they need but also what they haven't even considered.

Before the crucifixion of Jesus, which made atonement for sin, God's followers sought forgiveness through sacrifices. This required the slaughtering of specific animals.

Take, for example, Abraham and his son Isaac preparing for a sacrifice. They took wood, a knife, and fire. What were they missing?

They lacked an animal for the sacrifice, a fact that Isaac recognized.

Isaac noted, "Here is the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" (Genesis 22:7) Abraham was aware of the need for a sacrifice and had faith in God’s provision.

He confidently told Isaac, "God will himself provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." (Genesis 22:8) As they prepared for the sacrifice, only Isaac was present, without a lamb, goat, or dove in sight. What would transpire?

Looking up, Abraham then saw a ram ensnared by its horns in the thicket. (Genesis 22:13) God provided a ram, affirming His role as Yahweh -Jireh, the LORD Will Provide. Abraham used this ram to make the sacrifice, seeking God's forgiveness for sins. Was this Abraham’s only act of sacrifice?

No, Abraham and the Israelites made countless sacrifices due to their ongoing sins. They needed a sacrifice that would last—a sacrifice that could atone for all past, present, and future sins.

God, known as Yahweh -Jireh, anticipated this need and provided the ultimate sacrifice—His Son, Jesus, who died on the cross.

Given that God offered His very best—His own Son—can we trust Him to provide for all other needs? Absolutely. This assurance allows us to confidently call Him Yahweh -Jireh, the LORD Will Provide.

God’s unique way of providing for His children, even those who do not reciprocate His love, speaks volumes about His character.

Reflect on how God has provided for you. Take a moment this week to express gratitude to God for being Jehovah-Jireh.