Today’s Reading: Genesis 21 & 26; Psalm 34; 1 Peter 3:8-22

After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. – Genesis 21:32-34

When we think of the Philistines, we think of them as being enemies of the Hebrews, but their first appearance in the Bible shows an effort to coexist in peace. As we studied last week, King Abimelech reached out to make a covenant agreement with Abraham — a reciprocal relationship of integrity and peace between Abraham’s family and the Philistines. There had been a conflict over a well that Abraham’s servants had dug, but the two men stood before each other and peacefully resolved the conflict, creating clarity in order to ensure future understanding of who the well belonged to.

In chapter 26 of Genesis, we see history repeating itself. Just like Abraham had deceived King Abimelech into believing Sarah was his sister and not his wife, Isaac was deceiving King Abimelech regarding his wife, Rebekah. And in the same way that conflict arose over the possession of a well in chapter 21, conflict again caused unrest between the Philistines and Abraham’s descendants in chapter 26.

When Isaac planted his crops that year, he harvested a hundred times more grain than he planted, for the Lord blessed him. He became a very rich man, and his wealth continued to grow. He acquired so many flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and servants that the Philistines became jealous of him. So the Philistines filled up all of Isaac’s wells with dirt. These were the wells that had been dug by the servants of his father, Abraham. — Genesis 26:12-15

How do we respond when others try to pick a fight with us? What do we do with the bullies in our life? When King Abimelech saw the trouble that was brewing, he asked Isaac to take his family and leave the country. He saw how powerful the Hebrews had become and he wanted to avoid the battle that was looming ahead.

CREATING DISTANCE IN ORDER TO AVOID CONFLICT

So Isaac packed up his family and moved to the Gerar Valley, where he had spent his childhood. His servants opened up the wells his father, Abraham, had dug, which the Philistines had filled. With the faith of his father, Isaac renamed the wells according to the names Abraham had given them.

Isaac’s servants also dug in the Gerar Valley and discovered a well of fresh water. But then the shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “argument”). — Genesis 26:19-20

Do you ever feel like trouble follows you? I imagine this is how Isaac was feeling by now. He had moved his family, his servants and his possessions to a new area in order to avoid the trouble that was brewing, and here he was facing a new group that wanted to pick a fight.

To avoid an ARGUMENT, Isaac walked away and went on to dig a new well. But soon the bullies were back and disputing the ownership of the well, so Isaac named the well Sitnah, which means hostility. To circumvent HOSTILITY, Isaac moved on and dug a new well. Thankfully trouble did not follow him this time, so Isaac named the well Rehoboth, which means open space.

CREATING OPEN SPACE IN ORDER TO RESTORE PEACE

Isaac gave God the glory for the OPEN SPACE He was providing. He was grateful to find a place to call home, despite those who were trying to make life difficult for him and his family. God was giving him a season of peace in which to rest after a season of running from conflict.

One day King Abimelech came from Gerar with his adviser, Ahuzzath, and also Phicol, his army commander… “We can plainly see that the Lord is with you. So we want to enter into a sworn treaty with you. Let’s make a covenant. Swear that you will not harm us, just as we have never troubled you. We have always treated you well, and we sent you away from us in peace. And now look how the Lord has blessed you!” — Genesis 26:26-29

Isaac could have argued with the king about how he had been unfairly treated; he could have built a case around the injustice and bullying he had experienced. But instead, Isaac prepared a covenant feast to share with the king, and they ate and drank with each other. They promised not to interfere with each other, which resulted in the king and his people leaving in peace.

CREATING A TABLE FOR RESTORATION AND FELLOWSHIP

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. — 1 Peter 3:8-9

Father God, help me to remember this example in Isaac’s life when others try to pick a fight with me. Lord, I give to you those who have the desire to bully and those who have the tendency to argue. Give me the strength to walk away from conflict, and to trust you to create OPEN SPACE between me and others — a space where nothing stands between me and another person. I pray this morning for the day when I will feast in peace with those who have hurt me; I pray for the day when I will live in harmony with those I have forgiven or who have forgiven me. May your goodness and unfailing love follow me all the days of my life. Amen.

Does anyone want to live a life
that is long and prosperous?
Then keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies!
Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it. – Psalm 34:12-14

Today’s Reading: Genesis 25-27; Psalm 31

Since the beginning of time, there has been a fascination with twins. When a woman is pregnant with multiples, we consider her pregnancy special and we all lean in to see the similarity between her children. Scientists have studied the physiological implications of sharing a womb, and psychoanalysts have built theories around nature versus nurture through their study of twins.

While twins seem to tweak our curiosity, they often bring fear to the woman carrying them. The new mother can easily feel overwhelmed with the thought of carrying, and then caring for, two babies at the same time. For Rebekah, it meant calamity. It meant two siblings struggling with each other before they were even born. After struggling with infertility, the Lord heard Isaac’s prayer and blessed Rebekah, saying to her:

“The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.” – Genesis 25:23

Sure enough, Jacob was born pursuing his brother’s position as firstborn, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel. As they grew up, their differences increased with Esau becoming a skilled hunter of wild animals and Jacob staying closer to home to tend his father’s tamed flocks.

Showing he had little regard for his birthright and that he was driven more by his physical desires, Esau traded his privileges as first-born when Jacob offered his hungry brother a bowl of stew for the precious inheritance. Esau ate the meal, then got up and left (25:27-34), only to eventually be hungry again. He gave up his blessed position for temporary pleasure, the consequences of which changed his life.

ESAU’S FEAR: Fear of not getting what he wanted when he wanted it caused Esau to jeopardize all that was rightfully his as the firstborn son.

Isaac also allowed fear to jeopardize God’s blessing. There was a time of famine and Isaac moved his family to Gerar. The Lord told him to stay there instead of going on to Egypt. God promised Isaac that He would be with him and bless his family. Just as He told Abraham, God promised to give this land to Isaac and to make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.

Despite this promise, Isaac feared the Philistines would kill him in order to obtain his beautiful wife, so he told everyone that Rebekah was his sister (just like his father had done). Isaac’s fear of death put his wife in danger and God’s blessing in jeopardy. King Abimelech (not to be confused with King Abimelek who was deceived in the same way by Abraham) saw Rebekah in Isaac’s arms one day and confronted his lie. Instead of sending Isaac and his family away, the king declared protection over them. And once more, God blessed His people in spite of their great fear and small faith.

ISAAC’S FEAR: Despite the promise of God’s blessing, Isaac foolishly let fear guide his decisions. He risked God’s plan for the life of his family out of fear for his own.

Although Rebekah remembered the Lord’s prophecy that her older son would serve her younger son, her fear that Esau would receive the blessing of the firstborn from Isaac caused her to intervene and choose deception instead of faith. Jacob willfully followed Rebekah’s plan of deception, pretending to be Esau and tricking Isaac. When Esau learned of this, he grieved his loss, and a hate for his brother began to grow. For his protection, Rebekah sent Jacob away and probably never saw him again.

REBEKAH’S FEAR: Rebekah let her fear get in the way of her faith, causing her to lose what she loved most. If she had trusted God’s provision of His promise, she might have grown old watching Jacob receive God’s blessings. But instead of faith she chose fear, using manipulation and deception to pull God’s plan into place.

BUT GOD’S PLAN NOT GOD’S WAY IS NEVER GOD’S WILL

What areas of my life am I letting fear control? In what ways is my fear getting in the way of my faith? Is my fear of not getting what I want standing between me and God’s perfect plan for my life?

Lord, teach me to trust in you for every provision. May your promises and blessings on my life pour out directly from your hand. Teach me to let go of my attempts to control and manipulate the circumstances around me. Help me to simply open up my hands to receive what you want in my life. Forgive me for the many times I let fear get in the way of my faith. God, I trust you. You are my Provider and my Protector, and I dare to believe that you are always with me. In you I place my trust, giving you my family and my future. Amen.

I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. – Psalm 31:7

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!”
My future is in your hands. – Psalm 31:14-15a

So be strong and courageous, all who put your hope in the Lord. – Psalm 31:24

Today’s Reading: Review Genesis 1-24; Psalm 82; Proverbs 31:1-9

As we near the half-way point of our journey through Genesis, we notice a common thread — that God blesses us in order to make us a blessing to other people. He has created us to give life to those around us, allowing Him to rain down His blessings on others through our lives.

GOD COMMANDS US TO BE LIFE-GIVING.

From the first chapter of Genesis, God’s command to mankind is to be fruitful and increase in number. He created plants, trees, animals, and people to be seed-bearing, giving each of them the ability to reproduce and multiply. He created us to be life-giving, not death seeking. But by the fourth chapter of Genesis, the first parents were grieving the murder of their second son.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” – Genesis 4:6-7

With sin comes negative emotions. And when we choose to embrace sin, we give the enemy the opportunity to influence us towards the next sinful decision. Then sin begins to multiply in our lives and in the lives of those around us, until what God created to be life-giving is a world full of wickedness.

The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground — for I regret that I have made them.” – Genesis 6:5-7

With God’s big do-over, the world had a fresh start to be fruitful and multiply, and to fill the earth (9:1). God’s command was clear to Noah and his family — they were not to end the life of another human being.

GOD COMMANDS US NOT TO TAKE THE LIFE OF ANOTHER HUMAN.

“And I will require the blood of anyone who takes another person’s life. If a wild animal kills a person, it must die. And anyone who murders a fellow human must die. If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image. Now be fruitful and multiply, and repopulate the earth.” — Genesis 9:5-7

When God entered into a covenant relationship with Abraham, He promised that he would make Abraham into a great nation. He made a commitment to bless Abraham, but he also declared that Abraham would be a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2).

GOD CREATED US TO MULTIPLY AND GROW LIFE IN OTHER PEOPLE.

God’s plan since the beginning of time has been for us to give life to others, not to take it. He calls us to live a life that multiplies and grows life in other people. In Genesis 14, we see an example of Abraham living out his calling from God.

When Abram heard that his nephew Lot had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men who had been born into his household. Then he pursued Kedorlaomer’s army until he caught up with them at Dan. There he divided his men and attacked during the night. Kedorlaomer’s army fled, but Abram chased them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. Abram recovered all the goods that had been taken, and he brought back his nephew Lot with his possessions and all the women and other captives. – Genesis 14:14-16

GOD CALLS US TO RESCUE OTHERS.

Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked. — Psalm 82:3-4

This is what our compassionate God does. He showed grace towards Cain and allowed him to live, even though he had killed his brother. God provided an escape for Noah and his family during the flood. God healed Sarah’s womb and allowed her to give birth to Isaac. God answered the prayer of Abraham’s servant by providing a wife for Isaac. God showed mercy towards Hagar, who had been forced to have sexual relations with her master. God comforted Abraham as he mourned the death of Sarah, providing him with a place to bury his wife. This is the same God who calls us to multiply and grow life in other people.

Today marks 53 years of our nation devaluing the life of the unborn. But just because a courtroom decision says we have the right to do something does not mean we should. In a political battle between pro-life and pro-choice arguments, millions of men and women have been left wounded and grieving an abortion decision. Political agendas have left a trail of pain and mourning, and women have become pawns in a game where political power is the prize.

Surrounded by a society that no longer trusts in the sovereignty of God, we have a choice to make. Today is a good day for us to renew our covenant with God — to stand strong and commit that we will be image-bearers who multiply life in others and rescue the weak and needy, including the smallest of God’s image-bearers. What is God asking of you? What is He calling you to do in response to the pain and woundedness of those around you?

TODAY I WILL BE AN IMAGE-BEARER WHO MULTIPLIES LIFE IN OTHERS. I WILL LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO RESCUE THE WEAK AND THE NEEDY.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice. — Proverbs 31:8-9

Today’s Reading: Genesis 24:16-67, Psalm 143

When asked by Abraham to travel back to his homeland to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s servant did so with an unwavering, obedient heart. He gathered together everything he needed for the journey and then set out to do as he had been told.

DELAYED OBEDIENCE IS DISOBEDIENCE.

The servant responded not only in quick obedience to Abraham, but also to the God of Abraham. When he arrived at his destination, he took time to pray for success in carrying out the mission to which he had been called. The servant asked God for clarity and God answered his prayer. He asked that the woman God had chosen for Isaac would willingly give him a drink and also generously offer to water his ten camels as well.

Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder…Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again. Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”

“Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink. When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.” – Genesis 24:15-19

My study Bible says that ten thirsty camels could drink as much as 250 gallons of water. This generous offer showed Rebekah was hard-working and hospitable. And by remaining a virgin, Rebekah was also AVAILABLE for God’s plan for her life.

The servant waited patiently, watching God be God — taking in the moment when God was answering his prayer and making his journey successful. He then took time to praise God and to give honor to the God who had led him on this journey.

BECAUSE HE OBEYED WITHOUT DELAY WHEN GOD CALLED HIM, THIS SERVANT HAD A FRONT ROW SEAT TO SIMPLY WATCH GOD BE GOD.

The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord. “Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.” – Genesis 24:26-27

Rebekah’s family wanted her to wait 10 days before leaving but the servant did not want to delay the completion of his mission. Rebekah recognized the hand of God on her life and willingly went with the servant right away, rather than taking the time to say goodbye to her family as was traditionally allowed.

DELAYED OBEDIENCE IS DISOBEDIENCE.

Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?”
“He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself. — Genesis 24:62-65

It was while spending time alone in God’s presence that Isaac looked up and saw Rebekah. I love how our faithful God speaks to us and moves in our lives during our quiet times with Him. I believe there was no doubt in Isaac’s mind and no wavering of Rebekah’s heart that God had chosen to join them together for His purpose and His plan.

Lord, we pause and wait patiently for you. We take time this morning to pray and to praise. We are willing to be used by you today. Lord, prepare and equip us to accomplish your will. Give us wisdom to know where to strategically position ourselves and how to pray specifically. Speak to us and give us an unwavering, obedient heart for you. We love you and we praise you for unfailing love and faithfulness towards us each day. You are the God who provides and we look forward to watching you simply be God today. Lord, we echo the words of the psalmist this morning as we cry out to be heard. Helps us to trust in your unfailing love and walk the path you lay out before us.

Hear my prayer, O Lord;
listen to my plea!
Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. – Psalm 143:1

I lift my hands to you in prayer.
I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. – Psalm 143:6

​​Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you. – Psalm 143:8

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. — Psalm 143:10

Today’s Reading: Genesis 23 – 24:15, Psalm 6 & 17

What if we were able to simply watch God be God today? What if we entered into our day WILLING, PREPARED, EQUIPPED and STRATEGICALLY POSITIONED to allow God to use us for His purposes and His plan? I wonder what kind of success we would experience if we took time to pray specifically for what is ahead.

LET’S CONSIDER WHAT GOD CAN DO WHEN WE ENTER OUR DAY WITH INTENTIONALITY AND THE HEART OF A SERVANT.

Sarah died at age 127. Abraham bought a plot of land surrounding a cave so that he could have a permanent burial place for his family. He, too, was getting up in age and it was time for him to find a wife for Isaac. He did not want Isaac to marry a local Canaanite woman, so he asked his oldest servant, the man in charge of his household, to travel back to his homeland to find Isaac a wife.

When asked to perform this important task for his master, Abraham’s servant was WILLING, he was PREPARED, and he left EQUIPPED to do what he had been asked to do. Next he STRATEGICALLY POSITIONED himself. He was there to find a young woman, so he went to the place where the women were known to go each day and draw water for their families. Then he PRAYED to God for success.

ABRAHAM’S SERVANT WAS WILLING, PREPARED, EQUIPPED AND STRATEGICALLY POSITIONED. MOST OF ALL, HE PRAYED TO GOD FOR SUCCESS IN DOING WHAT HE HAD BEEN CALLED UPON TO DO.

“O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham. See, I am standing here beside the spring, and the young women of the town are coming out to draw water. This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ – let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.” – Genesis 24:12-14

Abraham’s servant had been entrusted with a great responsibility. When it came time for him to carry out Abraham’s request, he asked God to be the one to give him success. His heart was genuine. He did not want success for his own merit but out of love for His master. And the Spirit compelled him to pray specifically.

Before he had finished praying.
BEFORE HE HAD EVEN FINISHED PRAYING.
Don’t miss this!
Before the words were completely out of his mouth, God specifically answered his prayer!

I will answer them before they even call to me.
While they are still talking about their needs,
I will go ahead and answer their prayers! – Isaiah 65:24

Lord, we come to you this morning with willing hearts. We ask that you prepare us and equip us for what you are calling us to do. Give us wisdom of where you would like to strategically position us today, whether that is in a place, in a moment or in a person’s life. Father God, we pray for success today — not success as the world defines it, but success in doing exactly what you want us to do today. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear. We love you, Lord. Amen.

The Lord has heard my plea;
the Lord will answer my prayer. – Psalm 6:9

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
Bend down and listen as I pray.
Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
By your might power you rescue
those who seek refuge from their enemies.
Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings. – Psalm 17:6-8

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8

Today’s Reading: Genesis 22; Psalm 111; Philippians 4:10-20

WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.

Abraham understood just how hard a task this is for parents. But Abraham would also have understood how it is the same God who blesses us with children in the first place who asks us to trust Him with what comes next — to do anything God would ask us to do with the blessings He has provided for us.

“Take your son, your only son – yes, Isaac, whom you love so much – and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about. – Genesis 22:2-3

God promised Abraham that he would have countless descendants. Isaac was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, yet God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. I would have reacted with confusion and a lot of emotion, but that is not how Abraham displayed his faith. He trusted God to provide and faithfully, without hesitation, walked up the mountain with his greatest possession — his son.

Abraham arrived at his destination, but there was still no provision. He built the altar and placed the wood on top, but there was still no lamb for the sacrifice. Abraham lifted up his son and tied him to the wood. I imagine he looked around to see if God had come through for him. Still no sheep within sight. Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. It was at that moment that he heard the voice of an angel calling him.

ABRAHAM WAS WILLING TO TAKE WHAT HE HAD BEEN GIVEN HIM AND GIVE IT BACK TO GOD.

“Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”

Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” – Genesis 22:12-14

The Lord provided. These words hold such power over our current situations. To know with confidence that God keeps His promises, and to know that He provides for the fulfillment of those promises — this is the knowledge that keeps us going when it seems like life is moving too fast. This is what helps us cling to the Lord instead of embracing all the blessings He has bestowed on us.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19

GOD SEES OUR SITUATION AND HEARS OUR CRIES. DO NOT BE AFRAID! THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!

Here I am, Lord. Show me this morning that what I am clinging to has never been mine to begin with. Help me to trust you with my marriage, my family, my job, my finances, my health, my friends and my future. Remind me of your provisions and give me the strength to trust you with what comes next. I thank you for the abundant blessings you so generously extend to me every day. I place EVERYTHING on the altar and I choose to listen to your voice. I choose to trust you whether I have plenty or little. You are Yahweh-Yireh, and I choose to surrender everything to you this morning. Amen.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:12-13

All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy.
They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.
He has paid a full ransom for his people.
He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.
What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.
Praise him forever! — Psalm 111:7-10

Today’s Reading: Genesis 21:27-34; Psalm 84

So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a treaty. Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock, and Abimelech asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves?” – Genesis 21:27-29

WHY SEVEN LAMBS?

On that day, Abraham made a covenant with King Abimelech — a promise that he would show kindness and deal honestly with the people of Gerar. You see, the king had generously allowed Abraham and his large family to set up tents and live wherever they wanted to in his country, but now he was asking for reciprocity. Now he was securing a covenant relationship that would protect his family and country from this growing group of foreigners. Abimelech was making his hospitality official, recognizing that Abraham’s family could stay and live in peace, if they would indeed promise to live peacefully with the people of Gerar.

Abraham gave King Abimelech sheep and cattle to signify his commitment to this treaty. I guess you could say he was putting some “skin in the game” — he was making both a verbal commitment and a sacrificial transaction. That made sense to the king, but the additional seven ewe lambs did not. So the king inquired about the significance of this extra gift.

He replied, “Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well.”
So that place was called Beersheba, because the two men swore an oath there. – Genesis 21:30-31

To protect their relationship and take away the opportunity for future conflict, Abraham purchased the well he had dug by giving the king seven female lambs. These lambs would continue to reproduce and be a blessing to the king. The intentionality of Abraham’s gift gave clarity to the ownership of the well, which would hopefully prevent future conflict between the king’s servants and Abraham’s family. Abraham in essence got out in front of the potential problem in order to protect their relationship and stay true to his word.

After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. – Genesis 21:32-34

WHY A TAMARISK TREE?

Earlier in this chapter, we read of a grieving mother who laid down her son under a shrub to die. She trusted the shrub to provide the boy with a comfortable place to rest from the heat of the sun while he took his last breaths. God opened Hagar’s eyes to show her a nearby well of water. God provided sustenance at just the right moment, and He continued to be with Ishmael as he grew up (21:20). Today we consider Ismael’s father and the significance of a new planting — a new moment with beautiful significance.

The tamarisk tree is known for its ability to cool and provide shade for desert travelers. During the hottest part of the day, the tamarisk tree secretes salt. At night, the salt absorbs the moisture in the night air. As the day begins, that water evaporates in such a way that a cooling effect is created, similar to air conditioning. The tree produces beautiful pink or white flowers, and is known to live up to 100 years. With roots growing as deep as 30 feet below the surface, the tamarisk tree draws from the deep water tables to survive even in the heat of the desert. There is a sense of endurance and perseverance with this desert tree. [https://ww2.odu.edu/~lmusselm/plant/bible/tamarix.php]

When I question the significance of planting a tamarisk tree, I consider this moment in Abraham’s life when he was finally able to put in deep roots. God was providing a place for him to stay and live in peace with the Philistines. After years of nomadic life, this must have felt like a cool breeze on a hot summer day to Abraham.

It was also common to plant a tree in honor of a great man, so perhaps the significance of this tree was to honor the God who had provided Abraham with a son, land, water and now a season of peace. The credit would not go to the hospitality of the king or the shrewd business contract made by Abraham, but rather the glory would go to God. Instead of letting the significance of this moment pass, Abraham took time to worship God at Beersheba, and to plant a tree in remembrance of God’s beautiful provision.

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young
at a place near your altar,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
What joy for those who can live in your house,
always singing your praises. – Psalm 84:1-4

Let’s take a moment this morning to recognize the Lord’s provision in our own life. In what ways has he blessed us, and in what ways has he equipped us for success? Let’s recognize those moments in our life when resting in God’s presence is a lot like reclining in the shade of a tamarisk tree in the middle of our desert. Let’s raise our voices to the Lord as we pray the words of Psalm 84.

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you. — Psalm 84:10-12

Today’s Reading: Genesis 21:22-26; Psalm 32; Matthew 18:15-20

At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do. Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness I have shown to you.”
Abraham said, “I swear it.” – Genesis 21:22-24

Over the years, I have consistently jumped over this next passage of scripture but I think there is significance to be found in these verses. To start with some context, let’s look back at Genesis 20 to remind ourselves that King Abimelech initially opened his arms wide to accept Abraham and his family to the region of Gerar. But the king’s experience of Abraham was anything but positive, because Abraham was less than honest about who Sarah was.

OUR BEHAVIOR IMPACTS OUR REPUTATION WHICH INFLUENCES OUR WITNESS.

Because of Abraham’s deception, a curse of infertility was placed on the king and his household. In response to the curse, King Abimelech appealed to God based on his ignorance and the innocent intentions of his actions. The king heard from God, experiencing both mercy and clear guidance.

Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her. Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all who belong to you will die.” – Genesis 20:6-7

The king returned Sarah to Abraham, along with a generous gift and the offer to live wherever he wanted in the land of Gerar. Fast forward to Genesis 21 and we find the same king approaching Abraham with the offer of a treaty. He had seen the evidence of God’s favor on Abraham — that God had been with Abraham in everything he did. He recognized God’s generosity and remembered His power. Then he asked Abraham not to deal falsely with him or his descendants.

Because of his previous deception, King Abimelech was having a hard time trusting Abraham. Abimelech’s experience of the prophet of God was that he could not be trusted, thus the need for a covenant agreement.

WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF ME? HAVE I BEEN FOUND TO BE TRUSTWORTHY? DOES MY BEHAVIOR REFLECT THE INTEGRITY OF GOD?

What reason do I give other people not to trust me? How do those around me experience my character, and how does that reflect the character of God? Am I known for leaving information out or being less than honest with others? If so, how does their experience of me affect their experience of God?

Immediately, Abraham brought up an issue regarding a well he and his servants had dug. He complained that Abimelech’s servants had seized the well. The king’s response — Why am I just now hearing about this? How can I correct a situation if you have not taken the time to draw it to my attention until now?

Again I feel the nudge of the Spirit regarding others’ experience of the way I have handled conflict. How often have I allowed myself to get upset before even going to the other person to discuss a problem or issue? How often have I complained to others before giving them the opportunity to make things right or to clear up a misunderstanding on my part?

AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR TESTIMONY OF GOD’S TRANSFORMING POWER IS EVIDENCED IN HOW WE HANDLE CONFLICT, AND IN HOW QUICKLY WE ASK FOR FORGIVENESS.

Father God, forgive me for the moments when I am less than honest or transparent with others. Mold me into the authentic child of God you are calling me to be. Remind me of the appropriate steps to take when I have a concern with someone else (Matthew 18:15-20). May your character be reflected in my actions, and may others experience you in a positive way because of their experience of me. Amen.

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave the guilt of my sin. – Psalm 32:1-5

Today’s Reading: Genesis 21:1-21, Psalm 147

The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. – Genesis 21:1-2

What a great reminder to start off our time in God’s word! God will do exactly as He promises at the exact time He said He would do it. He is faithful and He can be trusted. He is omnipotent and nothing is too difficult for Him. He is the God who does the impossible, providing for us over and over again.

And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!” – Genesis 21:6-7

God also provided for Hagar in today’s passage. As the boys grew older, Abraham threw a huge feast to celebrate Sarah’s son, Isaac. But Ishmael foolishly made fun of Isaac and, in response, Sarah demanded Hagar and her son be sent away.

This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael was his son. – Genesis 21:11

WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.

This passage usually brings me to a place of pity and compassion for Hagar, but this morning I wonder just how difficult this must have been for Abraham. After all, he loved Ishmael. He knew God’s promise would be fulfilled through Isaac, but he probably envisioned Ishmael to be a part of his life as well. Abraham was caught in a feud between two family members, and he did what he knew to do — he took his concerns and his heartbreak to the Lord.

But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. But I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.” – Genesis 21:12-13

Once again, we see Abraham responding in obedience to God, but we also see the heart of a father who wants to supply the needs of his son. Abraham got up early the next morning to prepare some food and water for Hagar and Ishmael. Then he did what Sarah had asked and what God had instructed him to do — he sent them away.

WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.

Hagar wandered aimlessly in the wilderness, soon running out of the food and water Abraham had given them. She laid her son under the shade of a bush and then walked away, unable to watch him die.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. — Psalm 147:3

Oh the love of a God who sees us when we are hurting, and comforts us when we grieve. It is often in the moments of our deepest pain or fear that God makes His presence known and opens our eyes to His provision. It is often when we have run out of our own resources and can no longer find a solution to our problem that the Lord comes through for us.

“Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.” Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her container and gave the boy a drink. And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. – Genesis 21:17b-20a

Oh Lord, open my eyes to your provision! See me in the wilderness and make your presence known to me, and I will drink from the well you have mercifully placed in my path. I will be filled with the gift of your nourishment and sustenance, praising you for the bread of today and trusting you for tomorrow.

WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.

God reminds me of this truth often when it comes to my family. In fact, today’s passage of scripture is a great reminder of how God fulfilled a promise to me 29 years ago and continues to faithfully provide and protect. In 1996, after three miscarriages and a hopeless diagnosis from a doctor, I received a promise from God that I would have a baby in about a year. Just as He promised, Elizabeth Kathryn was born 12 months later. My faith grew tremendously as I experienced firsthand the fulfillment of a specific promise from God.

It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. – Hebrews 11:11

For God had promised, “I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” – Romans 9:9

As part of the promise, God revealed that my child would have a heart for Him and she absolutely does. As He continues to prepare Libby for the calling He has placed on her life, I must let go and trust Him. I must remind myself that she is His and I do not need to protect her from His perfect plan for her life. So every time she finishes another long shift of delivering babies or performing surgery, I thank God for the opportunities He is giving her and for his faithful protection over her. I once again place her in God’s omnipotent hands.

WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.

There is joy in watching God’s plan for our children roll out but it takes courage to daily place them in God’s hands. No matter how excited we are about what God has for our children, no matter how long we have planned for each next step, no matter how much we have prepared for this moment – there is nothing easy about letting go and trusting God with what comes next. As parents we must daily place these precious gifts from God back into the hands of the God who provides.

He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension…The Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. – Psalm 147:4-5,11

Today’s Reading: Genesis 20, Psalm 15 & 43

Who may worship you in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends.
Those who despise flagrant sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
and keep their promises even when it hurts.
Those who lend money without charging interest,
and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever. – Psalm 15:1-5

In this next chapter of Genesis, we find Abraham repeating a mistake he made in chapter 12 when he and Sarah entered Egypt. Instead of introducing Sarah as his wife, he introduced her as his sister — again. He did this out of fear for his own life. His lack of trust that God would protect them in this new home of Gerar caused him to put his beautiful wife in danger in order to spare himself… again.

Because of the reputation of King Abimelech and the people of Gerar, Abraham expected the worst when he arrived in their country as a foreigner. He assumed that the king would find Sarah so beautiful that he would be willing to kill Abraham in order to have her for himself. Abraham expected King Abimelech to sin against him, but his response in fact caused him to sin against the king. He deceived the king with a half-truth instead of choosing integrity in the midst of a risky situation.

WHEN WE EXPECT THE WORST FROM UNBELIEVERS, WE SIN AGAINST THEM BEFORE THEY SIN AGAINST US. PERHAPS THIS IS WHY THE WORLD SEES THE CHURCH AS UNLOVING AND JUDGMENTAL.

Who suffered when Abraham chose to be less than honest? First of all, Sarah did. The king found Sarah to be beautiful, just like Abraham predicted. Because he was led to believe she was available, the king brought Sarah to his palace. Imagine how Sarah felt as she was most likely placed in the king’s haram to prepare her for her first encounter with the king. She needed Abraham to be her protector and instead he was the one placing her in harm’s way.

Abraham’s sin of dishonesty also placed King Abimelech and his whole kingdom in a dangerous situation. He set them up to sin. Scripture says they were terrified when they realized that Sarah was a married woman; they were also plagued with infertility. The king’s response to Abraham says it all:

“What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done. Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?” – Genesis 20:9b-10

How often do we expect the worst from others? In what ways are we setting others up to fail when we continually assume they will make bad decisions? How often have other people needed to point out our judgmental attitudes or the inconsistencies in our faith? Abraham could have been a powerful witness of what it looks like to be a follower of Jehovah, but was instead seen as selfish and cruel. Where was Abraham’s faith?

NOT ONLY WAS ABRAHAM EXPECTING THE WORST FROM UNBELIEVERS, HE WAS EXPECTING THE LEAST FROM HIS HOLY GOD. INSTEAD OF TRUSTING GOD, ABRAHAM MANIPULATED HIS CIRCUMSTANCES.

God had promised protection to Abraham and had clearly painted a picture of the blessings he planned to bestow on him — descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the beach. Instead of trusting in the God who loves to give good gifts to His children, Abraham tried to orchestrate his circumstances in order to provide his own protection. Instead of asking God for wisdom and discernment, Abraham chose deception and manipulation.

Lord, teach us how to trust in you in all situations. Help us to be a light to those around us as we extend both grace and truth to them. May our actions be a powerful witness to what you are capable of instead of being an indicator of our greatest fears. May we place our faith solely in you today. Thank you for being a generous God who watches over us and forgives us. Give us eyes to see others as you see them today. Lord, strengthen our faith so that we choose hope in you over fear of the world. Amen.

Send out your light and your truth;
let them guide me.
Let them lead me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you live.
There I will go to the altar of God,
to God—the source of all my joy.
I will praise you with my harp,
O God, my God!
Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God! – Psalm 43:3-5