[NIV] 12 Isaac planted crops in that land and the sameyear reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him. - P116
14 He had so many flocks and herds and servants thatthe Philistines envied him.
15 So all the wells that his father‘s servants had dug inthe time of his father Abraham, the Philistines stoppedup, filling them with earth.
- P116
20 But the herders of Gerar quarreled with those of Isaacand said, "The water is ours!" So he named the wellEsek, because they disputed with him.
21 Then they dug another well, but they quarreled overthat one also; so he named it Sitnah.
- P117
22 He moved on from there and dug another well, andno one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying,
"Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourishin the land." - P117
Envy over the success of others, especially when they get what we wantfor ourselves, is something that many of us have experienced. - P118
Jealous of Isaac‘s growing wealth and
influence, his Philistine neighbors fill the
wells that water his flocks with dirt, and Abimelek tells him to leave.
- P118
Isaac, for his part, does not use God‘s gifts and promised blessings as a weapon to
intimidate his neighbors.
- P118
His attitude is that of a peacemaker. - P118
He simply moves and reopens the wells
the Philistines stopped. - P118
When the world treats us with hostility, we never need to respond in kind. - P118
We can be confident that God will
vindicate us and provide what we need in
the meantime. - P118
Isaac is committed to peace with his neighbors. Twice, his servants dig wells that
result in disputes and opposition from the Philistines. - P118
On both occasions, Isaac chooses the
way of peace and accommodation. - P118
The third well dug by his servants is free from conflict, so Isaac names that well
Rehoboth because God has given Isaac
"room" to receive His blessings. - P118
Isaac‘s charity and patient endurance are the results of his faith and humility. - P118
Rather than fighting his battles the world‘s way, he chooses the way of peace, believing in the promises of God for his life
and family. - P118
The attitudes and ways of the world lead only to conflict and opposition,
but the ways of God‘s kingdom lead to blessing and peace. - P118
"We don‘t persuade our neighbors by mimicking their angry power protests."
- Russell D. Moore - P118
Apart from God‘s tolerance and understanding in the midst of ourbroken world,
we are all destined for everlasting torment. But praise God for His patience toward
us and the love He displayed by offering
His Son for our salvation! - P119
Lord, set me free from the envy and hate
that characterize this sinful world.
- P119
Help me to serve as a peacemaker, knowing that You have promised blessings for
those who walk in Your ways.
In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P119
|