GET UNDER THEIR UMBRELLA

There's a relatively minor incident recorded in Genesis 26 that needs to be unpacked.  

Isaac was living among the Philistines and had led them to believe that Rebekah was his sister (a blatant lie designed to protect him).  During his time here, God was prospering Isaac.  

But one day Abimelech [a Philistine term that equates with the Egyptian term 'Pharaoh'] saw him being affectionate with Rebekah and figured out that they were married.  He was not happy with Isaac.  

What is this you have done to us?  One of the men might well have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.  [v.10]

Abimelech gave orders:

Anyone who molests this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.  [v.11]

So Isaac and Rebekah remained in the land in safety with the respect of all the people.  And God prospered them significantly!  That same year, they reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him.  [v.12]

Eventually, Isaac became so wealthy that he made himself a threat to the Philistines.  He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him.  [v.14]

As a result, Abimelech said to him, Move away from us;  you have become too powerful for us.  [v.16]

Isaac moved to the Valley of Gerar - where his father, Abraham had previously lived - and settled there.

During this time, God renewed His covenant with Isaac - the same covenant He had made with Abraham:  I am with you;  I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants...  [v.24]

Meanwhile, one day Abimelech showed up along with his personal advisor and the commander of his forces.  He spoke to Isaac:  

We saw clearly that the LORD was with you;  so we said, 'There ought to be a sworn agreement between us - between us and you.  Let us make a treaty with you that you will do us no harm, just as we did not molest you but always treated you well and sent you away in peace.  And now you are blessed by the LORD.'  [vs.28-29]

 After a feast, they made their agreement:  Isaac sent them on their way, and they left him in peace.  [v.31]

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I believe this incidental story sends a message:  If and when you find someone who is experiencing the blessing of God - get under their umbrella!

Isaac was clearly experiencing the blessing of God!  Abimelech was enough of a man of faith to recognize that what was happening to Isaac was supernatural.  Abimelech was smart enough to figure it out and act accordingly.  His thinking was:  "I don't want this man as an enemy!  God is clearly favoring him!  I want this man as a friend!"  Then he made a long journey and sought out a treaty to insure that they were in a good relationship.  He realized that he had potentially offended Isaac by asking him to leave.  Smart leader - good-thinking man.

We see illustrations of this principle throughout the scriptures:

• Joshua aligned himself with Moses and learned from him!
• Jonathan saw God's blessing on David and entered into a covenant friendship with David as a result!
• Elisha recognized the Spirit of God at work in Elijah and decided to follow him and eventually to succeed him as a prophet of God.
• Twelve men (and a small group of women) saw something divine in Jesus and gave up everything to be with Him.  
• A long list of men (and some women) noticed the deep commitment of the Apostle Paul and how God was with him and consequently travelled with him.

While I attended seminary at Asbury Theological, I felt like I was walking among spiritual giants.  I spent as much time as I could with leaders like:  Dr. Don Demaray, Dr. Don Joy, Pastor Clyde Van Valin, Dr. Gilbert James and many others.  I watched them.  I learned from them.  I imitated them.  I soaked up some of the blessing that was so evident in their lives.  

Later in life, God moved me to Akron, Ohio, where I aligned myself with Pastor Brenda Young for nearly six years.  I watched her.  I listened carefully to everything she said.  I followed her lead and example.  And I grew as a result!  I stayed under her umbrella until she and God nudged me out into new territory.  :-)

It's a solid principle!  When God brings you into the purview of someone He is blessing - STAY THERE UNTIL HE MOVES YOU ON!

Watch!  Listen!  Submit!  Learn!  Soak in the blessing that has settled on this person!  Let God grow you through their influence and experience.  

VERY IMPORTANT!  Don't worship them!  Worship the God who is blessing them!  God has a plan for your life and He's brought you to this person/place for a reason.  Don't resist or thwart His providential leadership!  Maximize your opportunity.  Stay soft in His hands and let Him work out His perfect will in your life!  FOR HIS GLORY!  AMEN!