HELP FROM HEAVEN AT THE POINT OF SACRIFICE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 22:9-14
Key Verse: “And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.” (Genesis 22:13)
Supporting Texts: 2 Chronicles 16:9; Hebrews 4:16; Psalm 20:1–3; Isaiah 41:10; Luke 22:43
INTRODUCTION
There are moments in a believer’s journey when obedience leads to an altar. These are seasons when God requires surrender, trust, and sacrifice beyond comfort and understanding. The point of sacrifice is often the highest test of faith.
In Genesis 22, Abraham climbed Mount Moriah with Isaac, carrying wood, fire, and a promise. Everything appeared to contradict God’s earlier word, yet Abraham proceeded in obedience. At the very moment he lifted the knife, heaven intervened.
This passage reveals a powerful truth: when sacrifice reaches its peak, heaven releases help. God never abandons His children at the altar of obedience. Divine intervention often comes at the last moment, but it always comes on time.
1. SACRIFICE PROVES THE DEPTH OF OBEDIENCE
True obedience is revealed not in convenience but in costly surrender. The altar exposes whether faith is genuine and unwavering.
a) The building of the altar (Genesis 22:9)
Abraham built the altar and arranged the wood intentionally. Obedience requires deliberate action, not emotional impulse.
b) Binding what is precious (Genesis 22:9)
Isaac, the promised son, was bound and laid on the altar. Sacrifice often touches what is most valuable to us.
c) The stretching forth of the hand (Genesis 22:10)
Abraham stretched out his hand to slay his son. Complete obedience holds nothing back from God.
d) Trust beyond understanding (Hebrews 11:17-19)
Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead. Sacrificial obedience rests on confidence in God’s power and character.
Biblical Example: Hannah gave Samuel back to the Lord after weaning him, proving that genuine gratitude and obedience are expressed through surrender (1 Samuel 1:27-28).
2. HEAVEN WATCHES AT THE POINT OF SACRIFICE
God does not ignore the sacrifices of His people. Heaven observes, evaluates, and responds to genuine surrender.
a) The angelic intervention (Genesis 22:11)
The angel of the Lord called out from heaven at the critical moment. Divine help often arrives precisely when the sacrifice is about to be completed.
b) Divine recognition of fear and reverence (Genesis 22:12)
God acknowledged Abraham’s fear of Him. Sacrifice reveals reverence and authentic devotion.
c) The eyes of the Lord searching (2 Chronicles 16:9)
God’s eyes run to and fro throughout the earth to show Himself strong. Heaven is actively looking for those whose hearts are loyal.
d) Access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16)
Believers are invited to obtain mercy and find grace in time of need. The altar of sacrifice becomes a gateway to divine assistance.
Biblical Example: As Jesus prayed in Gethsemane under intense pressure, an angel appeared to strengthen Him, demonstrating that heaven supports those who submit to God’s will (Luke 22:43).
3. DIVINE PROVISION IS RELEASED AT THE ALTAR
When obedience reaches completion, provision becomes visible. God often prepares the answer before the need fully manifests.
a) The ram in the thicket (Genesis 22:13)
Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the ram provided by God. Provision is often revealed when spiritual eyes are opened in faith.
b) Jehovah-Jireh revealed (Genesis 22:14)
Abraham named the place “The Lord will provide.” Sacrifice introduces new dimensions of God’s character.
c) Acceptable sacrifice remembered (Psalm 20:3)
God remembers offerings and accepts sacrifice. Nothing surrendered to God is forgotten.
d) Strength in fearful moments (Isaiah 41:10)
God promises to uphold and help His people. At the altar, divine support becomes tangible.
Biblical Example: Elijah’s sacrifice on Mount Carmel was consumed by fire from heaven, proving that when the altar is prepared according to God’s will, divine response follows (1 Kings 18:36-38).
4. SACRIFICE ACTIVATES GREATER COVENANT BLESSING
When heaven intervenes, it does more than stop the pain; it releases expanded promise and promotion. The altar becomes a launching point for higher dimensions.
a) Renewed covenant declaration (Genesis 22:16-17)
God reaffirmed His covenant with Abraham after the test. Sacrifice strengthens covenant assurance.
b) Multiplication promised (Genesis 22:17)
God promised seed as the stars and sand. Obedience unlocks exponential blessing.
c) Influence over enemies (Genesis 22:17)
Abraham’s seed would possess the gate of their enemies. Sacrifice activates dominion.
d) Blessing to all nations (Genesis 22:18)
Through Abraham’s seed all nations would be blessed. One act of obedience can affect generations.
Biblical Example: After Job endured deep loss and remained faithful, God restored him and doubled his former blessings, showing that tested sacrifice leads to multiplied reward (Job 42:10).
CONCLUSION
Help from heaven is not accidental; it is activated at the point of surrender. When Abraham lifted the knife, heaven spoke. When obedience reached its highest level, provision was revealed. God waits until faith matures at the altar before unveiling the ram in the thicket.
You may be standing at a personal altar today, facing a costly decision or difficult surrender. Do not retreat in fear. Remain obedient, trust God’s character, and lift your eyes in faith. At the point of sacrifice, heaven will speak, provision will appear, and covenant blessing will be established.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, give me grace to obey You even when the cost is high in Jesus name.
2. Lord, strengthen my faith at every altar of sacrifice in Jesus name.
3. Father, release help from heaven in my moment of testing in Jesus name.
4. Lord, open my eyes to see Your provision in difficult seasons in Jesus name.
5. Father, remove fear that hinders complete surrender in Jesus name.
6. Lord, remember my sacrifices and accept my offering in Jesus name.
7. Father, intervene at the critical point of my destiny in Jesus name.
8. Lord, reveal Yourself to me as Jehovah-Jireh in Jesus name.
9. Father, turn every test into a testimony in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let covenant blessings follow my obedience in Jesus name.
