A LOVER - NOT A FIGHTER

Genesis 26 gives us a good bit of information about Isaac - Abraham's one and only son.

In chapter 26, God warns Isaac of an impending draught.  God renewed His covenant with Isaac using the same words He'd used with Abraham!  

Isaac was living among the Philistines and feared them.  He told Rebekah to report that she was his sister.  For his father, Abraham, this had been partly true;  but for Isaac it was simply a protective lie.  

Abimelech, [Abimelech was to the Philistines as Pharaoh was to the Egyptians - a title] eventually realized that they were husband and wife, and was angry with Isaac.  He gave orders that no one should molest Rebekah.

God significantly prospered Isaac with blessings of wealth, flocks, herds and servants!  So much so, that the Philistines became jealous and Abimelech asked him to leave their area.  

Isaac moved back to the Valley of Gerar [where Abraham had previously lived and dug wells].  He began to dig wells for his flocks and people.  Local herdsmen quarreled with him over the first two that he dug;  being a lover and not a fighter, he simply walked away.  Finally, he dug a well that they did not quarrel over:  Rehoboth.

Then, Abimelech arrived with several leaders and sought a treaty with Isaac - which tells us how wealthy, significant and influential he had become under God's blessing.  They made a sworn agreement of peace.  

That same day, Isaac's men found water in another well.  He named it Shibah, which eventually became Beersheba.  

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Isaac was a peaceable man.  He chose to avoid conflict rather than fight.  God honored him and prospered him.  

Does this make him an example for all?  No.  He happened to be a lot like his father.  Abraham was also a peace-lover;  however, when Lot was taken captive, Abraham took on a coalition of kings to free his nephew.  Even peace-lovers will fight when they must!  

There is room in this world for people of all personality types.  

Thank You, Lord, for the diversity of people You've made.  We are not all alike.  We vary in color, shade, ethnic background, gender, appearance, language, customs, and personality types.  You made us all!  You love us all.  You've provided Your grace and salvation for all of us!  Your kindness is beyond measure!  For this we are all eternally grateful.  Now, help us to learn to love each other and get along.  For Your Kingdom's sake.  Amen.