1/12/21

"And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water. And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is our's: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him." (Genesis 26:19-20)
As a faithful follower of Christ, you must learn to just let some things go, no matter how unfairly, or unjustly, you are treated.
Isaac, the son of Abraham, was a peacemaker! Abraham had gone to war, but Isaac was not a warrior. He tried to find a peaceful solution to life's problems.
That causes me to think about Jesus. He came to make peace, and to bring joy to our souls!
You and I often find ourselves in situations that could lead to a violent end. We may have words with someone if we are not treated fairly. And, some, are not above becoming physical. The human being will "guard their turf", even at great peril to themselves, or others.
That is not the way of Jesus, nor was it the way of Isaac. Isaac was more willing to turn the other cheek than most.
Isaac dug a well. (v. 19) The barbaric men of Gerar forcefully took it, claiming ownership, even though they had not lifted a finger to dig it! It was a magnificent well, springing with fresh water. But, Isaac named the well "strife", and let them have it.
Isaac dug another well. (v. 21) Once again, the men of that country stole it! He named that well, "hatred", and let them have it also!
What a remarkable man! He had every right to fight for those wells. They were the fruit of his labor! He located the sights, and dug the wells. They belonged to him! But, he let it go, and moved on.
Isaac dug a third well. (v. 22) Wonder of wonders! The men of Gerar didn't try to take it from Isaac. Isaac named that well, Rehoboth", which means "open spaces". He rejoiced that there was room enough for him to live in the land! (God has made room enough in His kingdom for the peace-loving soul.)
If Isaac had fought the men of Gerar, do you think that there would have ever been enough room for him in the land? I don't think he would have ever had a peaceful life there.
The path to peace is not a violent one, but a gracious one. We must aspire to be magnanimous in our affairs with other people.
That is not the way of Hollywood, but it is the way of God.
"Lord, help me learn to forgive, and to move on. Amen."
From my heart to your heart.