Variety: Genesis 22v14-18

So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’  

The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, ‘I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.’  

GENESIS 22:14–18

Abraham names the place where God’s promise and blessing are given ‘The Lord Will Provide’. He’s expressing a deep trust that God sees and will meet his needs – just as he did with the ram in place of Isaac. The name Abraham chooses also conveys the meaning ‘The Lord sees’ – not just observing, but looking out for us with care and intention. Hagar, too, called God ‘The One who sees me’ (Genesis 16:13).  

These names remind us that God is not distant. He sees. He provides. We often believe in God’s big plans for the world, but struggle to see his hand in the small, messy details of our everyday lives. We ask, ’Do you see me, God?’  

The wonderful truth is, he does. He sees our to-do lists and stresses. He sees our income and bills. God’s powerful plans are worked out in our ordinary and painful places. Wonder is found when we realise God is intentionally involved in our everyday lives.  

This Advent, may you know that God still sees us and provides for us personally. Jesus is the answer to our deepest question: ‘Who sees me? Who cares?’  

Lord, to be seen is to be known – thank you for seeing me. Help me trust your provision in every part of my daily life. Amen.