Isaac: Generation to Generation

As I have read through scripture, studied it, discussed it with others, and heard people share their thoughts concerning the things God has recorded for us in His Word i have noticed a tendency… People (myself included) tend to find the faults in those we study.

Somehow this is common

We can find fault making ourselves feel better about ourselves

I never told anyone my wife was my sister

I didn’t sleep with another woman to have a kid

So on and so forth…

We do it in our everyday lives too…

Why else would gossip be so thrilling

Why else does our news stations share negative most of the time

It trickles even into our parenting… correct faults without praising the good.

TODAY… I want us to look at our passage with a balanced approach. Notice the faults, but praise the good, and learn and apply what we need to into our own lives.

As we approach it this morning there are TWO THINGS I want us to consider…

What is it we need to learn from this passage…

What is it we can apply from this passage…

Genesis 26:1-6 is important for us to realize and affirm that Abraham is now gone and God is now working through Isaac to fulfill and bring about the Blessing and Promise that was initially to Abraham…

READ PASSAGE

Scripture Confirms Isaac

Like Abraham there is FAMINE (temptation to run as did his father)

Isaac, does what God states… we will see this as the passage continues (HE TRUST GOD!)

SOJOURN… you will move, wonder, dwell in this land… there will be no permanence in Isaac’s life

DESCENDANTS will have the land… (preparing for future generations ie. German Cathedrals)

GOD establishes HIS OATH here with Isaac!!! (God’s working, God’s prerogative)

MULTIPLICATION of his descendants!!!

ALL NATIONS will be blessed through Isaac’s descendants!

God then reminds Isaac of the faith and obedience of his father Abraham…

Consider for just a moment Exodus 20:3-6 when God gives Israel (Isaac’s descendants) His Holy Law!!!

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R. B. Zuck states it this way… God is a jealous God, that is, He is zealous that devotion be given exclusively to Him. His uniqueness (Ex. 20:3) requires unique devotion. Absence of such dedication is sin and has its effect on future generations. Those who thus are influenced to hate God will be punished by Him. By contrast He is loyal (showing “loyal love”) to those who love Him and who show that love by their obedience

Our children will learn from us (Good and Bad)

WE EACH MAKE A CHOICE!!! the emphasis is clearly on YOU to choose

As we continue to loon through this chapter we will see both were seen and repeated by Isaac…

Consequences and Blessings

Genesis 26:6-11 We see sin is still present, fear hinders his testimony and his deceit brings about a rebuke… even from the godless around him…

READ PASSAGE

We see also however that Isaac does obey and follow God.

NOTICE God’s favor on Isaac… Genesis 26:12-14

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Genesis 26:15-21 is a good reminder that just because God is pleased with our lives, does not mean we will not face trials and struggles… (TRUTH IS… you and I have promised all the blessings that come with being joint heirs in Christ, but Jesus Himself stated you and I will face hardship in this life)

READ PASSAGE

God’s Affirmation

NOTICE… Isaac is where God wants him… Sojourning in the Land He has promised to him!!! Genesis 26:22-25 is a beautiful AFFIRMATION to Isaac and to us that this was where God had him.

READ PASSAGE

Difficulties are not always indications that we are not where God wants us:

ie. The pastor in Afghanistan right now, Praising God for those coming to a relationship with Jesus Christ through all the hardship and persecution! “We may see Jesus face to face in the next two weeks so pray we are bold to share Christ as we see more and more turning to Him every day!” many are refusing to leave because of the work of the gospel!

God is an affirming God, reminding us over and over of HIS FAITHFULNESS

Notice like his father, Isaac has learned to PITCH TENTS but BUILD ALTARS!!! (temporary vs permanent)

Trust Confirmed

In Genesis 26:26-33 we see Isaac display a beautiful trust in God. He would not flee but would seek to live in peace in the land God had him in… in an area that was not yet affirmed to be plentiful… BUT GOD!!!!

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NOTICE… they started digging a well in verse 22 but as soon as Isaac trusted and peace was established God blessed him with WATER… with a well!

God was bringing PEACE and BLESSING to Isaac…

Genesis 26:34 is a contrast as this section concludes… Isaac is following God, and in his father Abraham’s footsteps, YET Esau is making other choices… choices that will anger God and grieve his parents.

READ PASSAGE

What We Learn & Apply

What we learn:

God is faithful to carry on after Abraham the promise and blessing through Isaac

God is constantly active in our lives… He is not distant

God will be the One to bring about His promises

What we apply:

God is faithful with you and I

How we interact and respond to God will impact the next generation

Following God is not always easy… but it is best!

I am so glad to find regular men and women in the scriptures who struggle in this life, yet let’s make sure when we look at their lives let’s strive to learn even more from their faithlessness and things they did that please God and glorify Him!