Genesis 26:12-25 – Keeping the Peace

Read Genesis 26:12-25

Have you ever had to bite your tongue to hold yourself back from saying something that was not helpful? Maybe you have had a time in your life when you had to look the other way just to keep the peace. Isaac gives us a great example here of how you can really choose your battles.

As I understand it, the area we are talking about, Gerar, is nearly desert. Water would be a precious commodity. And, the whole idea of wells being filled in with dirt, that would be an act of war. Yet, Isaac didn’t declare war on the Philistines. He just dug another well. He was prospering and he didn’t want to jeopardize that. His heart was not full of animosity or hatred. He calmly moved on. How did he control his anger?

Would you have been as patient with the Philistine bullies trying to take over your water supply? What sort of confrontations are you facing right now? Maybe you have a boss who doesn’t appreciate you. Maybe there is some fighting within the family causing tensions and hurt feelings. Taking the high road may be the right thing to do, even if it’s not the most popular thing with the majority. The opposite, taking the low road would be looking for revenge from the ones who harmed you.

Isaac chose the high road. God blessed him for his faithfulness with bountiful crops and another water source that was not in dispute. I do question why he finally moves on to Beersheba. It’s not clear how much time passes, but it is at Beersheba that Isaac has a visit from God. We have heard this message before given to Abraham. Now Isaac has been blessed with the same words. Chances are good that Abraham had also told him what was in store for him. Isaac had a good role model to follow. His father was a man of God to be sure. Now it was Isaac’s turn to continue the legacy. How wonderful that he heard the message from the source!

Life is a lot more enjoyable when there is peace. We should all strive to be peacemakers. One of the beatitudes in Matthew’s gospel says, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.” Isn’t that what we want, to be recognized as God’s children? He watches over us and blesses us. It doesn’t say peace-keepers or peace lovers, but peacemakers. How do we “make” peace. This speaks to our character and our spirit. The peace starts within us. Philippians 4:7 says, “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Our peace comes from God.

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for Isaac’s example today of how to act in times of adversity. May I always take the high road and not engage my adversary. I want to be more effective rather than trying to persuade. I’ll let your peace flow through me. Use me to spread this message so we can all be peacemakers and make this world a better place. May I stand on your truth and rely on your leading. In Jesus’ name. Amen.