Scripture to Read: Genesis 26:7-16
Yesterday we saw when God spoke to Isaac, he responded to God just like his father, Abraham. Isaac followed in his father's footsteps by responding in obedience to our LORD. In Genesis 26:7-16, we read that when Isaac feared for his life, he responded just like Abraham too. In Genesis 12:10-20 and 20:1-18, we previously saw when Abraham feared for his life instead of fearing our LORD, Abraham feared men. Isaac fell into the same trap, for he did not fear the one who can kill the body and soul, God (Matthew 10:28). Isaac's mindset, in Genesis 26:9, was, "Lest I die because of her." We see that Isaac's focus was on Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, and what he could do to bring harm to Isaac's life. Isaac's fear led him to repeat his father Abraham's lie, that his wife was merely his sister. And, just like Abraham, when the truth was revealed, Isaac didn't lose his life, but he gained wealth (Genesis 26:12-16). The fact that "the LORD blessed him" (Genesis 26:12) does not indicate Isaac's faithfulness, but God blesses him because God was being faithful to His covenant with Abraham. As we consider our own lives, God's Word is a good reminder of how we are prone to fear man more than God. We can also respond in sin when we trust our flesh more than God's Spirit in us. God is always faithful and cares and provides for us, not because we are faithful but because Jesus has been faithful in providing us eternal life through the gospel.
Challenge & Application
1. What does this passage teach us about what happens when we fear man instead of fearing the LORD?
2. When have you seen the LORD’s faithfulness in caring for you even when you have not feared Him as you should?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!