Genesis 26

Genesis 26 gives us the only story in which we see Isaac as a main player instead of just context to either his father or his sons. Like his father, he meets a king named Abimelek. (Apparently, Canaanites aren't quite as creative with their names as Hebrews.) And, proving that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, he also lies to Abimelek 2.0 about his wife Rebekah. This time, though, Abimelek actually catches Isaac in the act, "caressing" Rebekah, as verse 8 colorfully puts it. Instead of thinking, "Boy, what a screwed up pair of siblings," Abimelek draws the correct conclusion and gives Isaac a sound scolding.

We all know that old chestnut, "Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it," but I wonder if Abraham had told Isaac about the two occasions when he lied about Sarah being his sister. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't; that's not the kind of feat you want to brag about to your children. Do we have an obligation to let our children know every unsavory detail and gaffe of our lives--even if we wait until they're adults to do so? Probably not absolutely everything, but then again, I'm not yet a parent and thus cannot provide any insight on this issue. (Though if you're looking for deep insights, you're probably reading the wrong blog.)

The Philistines under Abimelek become jealous of Isaac's success, even going so far as to fill up the wells dug by Abraham. Seriously, in an area where water is such a disputed resource, why didn't the Philistines just steal the water instead of filling up the whole well? That's like cutting of their noses to spite their faces. (Have we had enough idioms yet?)

In verse 16, Abimelek finally asks Isaac and his posse to leave because they "have become too powerful." Because Isaac has remained faithful to God, his family has received His blessings and provisions. But today, does anyone think, "Oh, I'm so jealous of Christians. They're doing so well"? Sadly, it's the opposite. Even disregarding faux-Christian hate groups such as the Westboro Baptist Church using the facade of "God" to conceal their thoroughly un-Christlike nature, many people today disdain Christians. We should be shining Christ's light, spurring others to ask about Jesus's love as seen through us. Of course, that doesn't mean we should accept the idea of subjective morality, but I would propound the idea that Christians should love others first. Once one has accepted Christ, then the work of spiritual improvement, through God as well as fellow Christians serving as His hands and feet, can start.

I realize this post has taken a turn toward the somewhat pompous, but I do think that others should be able to see Christ working in our lives. I'd be the first to acknowledge that I need a lot of work in this area myself, so I pray that God will make it so.