Overcoming Error: Genesis 26:23-35

Because God is with us, we can overcome our mistakes and participate in God’s will even though we are not perfect.  Isaac, like Abraham before him, made his share of mistakes.  God doesn’t give up on him.  God doesn’t walk away from Isaac because he makes mistakes.  God forgives him and continues to call Isaac to His side.

After Isaac leaves the land of the Philistines and puts his lie behind him, God visits Isaac and reminds him of the promise.  Notice the title God gives Himself.  He is the God of Abraham.  God begins to teach generational faith.  As Abraham followed God and leaned upon God’s righteousness, so shall Isaac.

God also says He will watch over Isaac and bless him for Abraham’s sake.  Isaac is the second generation of God’s plan to bring about the redeemer of humanity and God teaches about generational blessing.  God is willing to bless Isaac because of Abraham’s faithfulness.

This might not seem fair.  If we spin this concept the other direction, few among us think we should be judged harshly for the sins of our parents.  If it is wrong to judge someone poorly because of their parents, how is it possibly fair for God to bless Isaac for Abraham’s sake?

This is the beauty of grace.  Grace is a gift.  Grace is never earned.  By definition, I cannot do anything to earn God’s grace.  God gives grace to us as a response to His love for us.  If grace is a gift, then we can’t even talk about fairness.  Gifts are never fair.  God’s blessing here – and God’s blessing everywhere – is the same.  None of us earn God’s blessing.

Once Isaac leaves the land of the Philistines and continues to prosper under God, Abimelech pays him a visit.  Perhaps Abimelech realizes he made a mistake when he pushed Isaac – and his wealth – out of his territory.  Perhaps Abimelech wanted to check and make sure Isaac wasn’t mustering his resources to turning around and attack.  Whatever the reason, Abimelech comes to Isaac with the commander of his army to establish a treaty.

Isaac remembers they sent him away.  He remembers they stopped up his wells.  When he responds to Abimelech, there is a note of sourness in his words.  Abimelech will need to earn the treaty.

Abimelech recognizes the need to honor Isaac, so he gives him the highest honor he can.  Abimelech acknowledges Isaac is blessed by his God.  Abimelech still doesn’t desire to learn about Isaac’s God, but he does acknowledge God’s blessing. 

Isaac may have made mistakes when he dwelled among the Philistines, but his behavior once he moved away eased the tension.  As Isaac returned to a more faithful walk with God, the Philistines were able to see God in Isaac.  Because God is with us, we can overcome our mistakes and participate in God’s will even though we are not perfect.