As we gathered to reflect on Good Friday, we found ourselves standing at the intersection of two powerful and deeply connected biblical moments—one in the Old Testament, the other in the New. Genesis 22 tells the story of Abraham and Isaac, while John 19 brings us to the crucifixion of Jesus. At first glance, they may seem like separate accounts, but they are intricately woven together, revealing the heart of the gospel.

A Shadow of the Cross

In Genesis 22:1–12, Abraham is called by God to offer his beloved son, Isaac, as a burnt offering. Abraham responds in faith and obedience, even going as far as binding Isaac and laying him on the altar. In a moment of divine intervention, God halts the sacrifice and provides a ram instead.

Fast forward to John 19:17–18, and we see Jesus carrying His cross to Golgotha, where He would be crucified between two others. Here, the shadow of Genesis becomes a reality. Where Abraham’s son was spared, God’s own Son was not. The obedience and sacrifice of Isaac foreshadowed the obedience and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

A Covenant Between Father and Son

The journey Abraham takes with Isaac is not just about a test of faith—it’s a glimpse into the relationship between the Father and the Son. Abraham and Isaac walk in unity, and Isaac’s obedience mirrors that of Jesus. When Isaac asks, “Where is the lamb for the offering?” Abraham answers, “God will provide for Himself the lamb.” And He did—through Jesus Christ.

This moment also reveals an important truth: some revelations take time. Abraham only saw the place of sacrifice after walking with God for three days. Likewise, we may not always see God’s purpose at the start of our journey, but over time, with obedience and trust, He reveals what we need to see.

Obedience Opens the Way

When Abraham and Isaac reach the mountain, Abraham tells the servants to stay behind—what lies ahead is deeply personal. It is the obedience of the son that completes the journey of the father. This reminds us that many long for the presence of a father in their lives, but fewer understand how to posture themselves as sons or daughters in obedience.

Jesus, too, modeled perfect obedience. In Gethsemane, He prayed, “Father, if it be your will, take this cup from me… Yet not my will, but yours be done.” It was that agreement between Father and Son that paved the way for the covenant of salvation.

The Weight of the Wood

In Genesis 22, Abraham places the wood for the offering on Isaac’s back. Similarly, in John 19, Jesus carries His cross—the weight of the world’s sin—up to Calvary. He carried a burden for a tree He didn’t cut, for sins He didn’t commit. This moment is deeply personal. It represents the weight many of us carry: burdens we didn’t ask for, trials we didn’t create.

Yet, the story isn’t just about carrying the wood—it’s about trusting God through the weight. Just as Abraham couldn’t see the ram on the other side of the mountain, we may not always see the solution to our struggles. But faith calls us to trust that provision is already on its way, even if it’s not yet visible.

“Don’t worry about what you don’t see. Don’t worry about the ram that’s climbing up the other side of the mountain—it’s coming.”

Beneficiaries of a Heavenly Covenant

What took place on the cross was a covenant not made with us, but for us. Like children inheriting a will, we are beneficiaries of the covenant between the Father and the Son. We didn’t sign the paperwork, but we receive the reward: salvation, grace, and new life.

And just as Jesus carried the wood, He invites us to do the same. Matthew 16:24–25 reminds us: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” It’s an invitation to obedience—to assume the position of a son or daughter and walk the road set before us with trust and surrender.

Assume the Position

When we assume the position of obedience, everything changes. God doesn’t look at your appearance, your bank account, or your accolades—He looks at your posture. If we posture ourselves like Christ did, in humility and surrender, God promises to strengthen us, bless us, and lead us through.

Even when we don’t know the solution, we’re called to carry the wood. Even when we can’t see the ram, we keep walking. Even when the weight feels unbearable, we praise Him—not for what we’ve seen, but for what we believe is still coming.

God is working behind the scenes. Your ram is climbing the other side of the mountain. Your breakthrough is on the way. Your victory has already been set in motion.

A Final Encouragement

May we remember that while Jesus bore the weight of the cross alone, He calls us to carry our own with the confidence that He walks with us. Praise Him in the struggle. Trust Him through the silence. And carry the wood—because on the other side, resurrection is coming.