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Sunday, September 09, 2012

Day 253: Genesis 26:24

"That night the Lord appeared to [Isaac] and said, 'I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.'" ~Genesis 26:24, NIV

After Abraham's death, Isaac moved back to Philistia where his father had lived and reopened the wells there for his abundant flock. He also dug a new well, but the local shepherds fought with his servants over the ownership of the water. So he had his servants dig a new well, and the local shepherds argued over that one too.

Finally, he digs a third one, and there's no quarrel. But I bet he wondered if the shepherds weren't going to come around and quarrel over that one too. Then he traveled some distance (for respite, I would guess). And that's when God gave the above.

He starts be reminding Isaac that He is God, and then gives Him a command and a twofold promise - don't be afraid, I am with you and I will bless your children.

In the New Testament, an apostle writes that everyone who accepts Christ is now a child of Abraham's promise. Well right up there we have an encouragement and two promises. God Himself tells us through Isaac not to be afraid, and then promises to always be with him and to bless his descendants.

We are the descendants. God promised Isaac He would bless us. And one of those blessings can be courage, if you accept it.

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