On The Mountain Of The LORD

Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the LORD will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” [Genesis 22.14]

Pretty much everyone who knows the Bible wants to declare that God is their Provider based on this passage of scripture. I know I certainly have.

But what does the proverb we all quote say? What does it mean?

The proverb mentioned above says that “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” 

So, we see the desired end result: provision.

But what are the circumstances around that provision? All we have is the phrase, "On the mountain of the LORD..."  

It is "on the mountain of the LORD" that God's provision is seen. What IS the mountain of the LORD? Well, for Abraham, it was the place where God had told him to go and sacrifice his son Isaac. It was a place, first and foremost, for obedience.

However, there is something more that we are privileged to see in the life of Abraham "On the mountain of the LORD" - something that flanked his obedience - something that perhaps was woven into the fabric of his obedience - perhaps even something that is another word for obedience - faith.

Could Abraham have been obedient without having faith?

Could Abraham have had faith without obedience?

The two questions above should be questions we spend long and hard hours meditating on. However, I will give quick answers (realizing my answers should only be understood as my answers - each person needs to get revelation of this from God).

Could Abraham have been obedient without having faith? No. What is obedience if it is not faith?

Could Abraham have had faith without obedience? No. One who has faith is said to be 'faithful.' The words faithful and obedient can hardly be contrasted.

Bottom line: We need to be obedient (genuine obedience will be full of faith). We need to be faithful (genuine faith will be obedient). This is the culmination of the meaning of, "On the mountain of the LORD..." where we will find the Provider and all His provision!

Father, I want to be found complete in obedience and faithfulness.