Gen. 26:26-3326Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army. 27And Isaac said unto them, Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you? 28And they said, We saw certainly that the Lord was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee; 29That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in peace: thou art now the blessed of the Lord. 30And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink. 31And they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. 32And it came to pass the same day, that Isaac's servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had digged, and said unto him, We have found water. 33And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city is Beer-sheba unto this day. (Genesis 26:26‑33)
WHEN Isaac reached Beer-sheba not only did he hear the voice of the Lord, but the Lord also “appeared unto him.” There is much here for meditation.
When Isaac was in Gerar “The Lord blessed him” and he became a great man with many possessions. At first glance it appears that this should have been a very happy time in his life, yet it is noteworthy that the blessings were followed by the contention and enmity of the people among whom he dwelt. The question then arises: If Isaac had the Lord’s blessing, why was it marred by the behavior of his neighbors? It is well to remember that the Lord’s blessing and the Lord’s presence can be two entirely separate things.
The child of God today may enjoy the bountiful hand of the Lord in his business, his farm, his employment, or whatever his vocation may be. The prosperity may well be a mark of the Lord’s blessing, but lack of faithfulness may keep him from the joy of knowing the Lord’s presence in his walk. His activities in his pursuits and carelessness in letting them overlap into the world, can readily deprive him of the happy walk that should mark the child of God. In this position the Lord (so to speak) cannot “appear unto him.”
Such was the case with Isaac and such is the case with many a believer today. The rich blessings of the Lord should keep him faithful in every good purpose and in full dependence upon the One who is so gracious to him, should it not? When Isaac reached Beer-sheba and was no longer attached to the Philistine atmosphere, his heart was freed from the things that had intruded into place of privilege. Thus delivered was ready and happy to be aware the Lord’s very presence with him.
After Isaac’s restoration Albimelech was aware of a new power the man whom he had sent a and he journeyed to Beer-sheba visit him. Isaac inquired: “Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you?” The reply was: “We saw certainly that the Lord was with thee: and we said, Let there be now all oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee; that thou wilt do us no hurt,... thou art now the blessed of the Lord.” vv. 27-29. This was at amazing sequence to the former events. Isaac was gracious, in the dignity of his restored blessing, and sent them away in peace. He did not now seek to linger with them, nor invite them to join his company, but “sent them away.” His lesson had been learned and he could act in the good of God’s thoughts. This principle is set forth for the Christian in the scripture: “Recompense to a man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you live peaceably with all men... I thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good.” Rom 12:18-2118If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18‑21).
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