Genesis 26: 12-35 The Grace and Goodness of God

In Genesis 26:1-11 Isaac lies to Abimelech saying that Rebekkah is his sister. Abimelech learns of the lie and confronts Isaac about it (26:11). In the next verse we read a most amazing statement, “Now Isaac sowed in the land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. And the Lord blessed him” (26:12).

The grace and mercy of the Lord shine in this passage. God’s grace is His willingness to give us what we do not deserve. Mercy is when He does not give us what deserve.

The fact that God would enable us to go to heaven is grace. We do not deserve it. On the other hand, when God allows us to live even though we sin, He is exercising His mercy. He is withholding from us what we deserve, judgment.

Isaac has just sinned by lying to Abimelech. Now the Lord blesses his crops and prospers him greatly. The Lord’s blessing reflects His grace to Isaac.

The God of the Bible is both merciful and gracious. He blesses us with food, water and shelter we do not deserve. In mercy, He also provides a way for us to escape the eternal judgment of Hell.

Since the Lord has displayed these two great characteristics in our lives, we should praise Him continually. Second, we should be willing to extend mercy and grace to others.

The Philistines notice Isaac’s riches and worry that he might become too powerful for them. He might take over their land. Therefore, Isaac moved to the valley of Gerar.

Water is a precious commodity in an arid land. Isaac immediately re-dug the wells that Abraham had built. The Philitstines had stopped them up after His death.

The people of Gerar argued with Isaac and claimed that the wells belonged to them. What did he do? He dug another well. He did not fight over his rights.

When they quarreled about the second well, he dug a third one. They did not quarrel about it, so he named it Rehoboth, meaning “broad places” (Gen 26:22). The Lord had finally made room for him in the land.

Following this event, the Lord appeared to him and again promised that He would fulfill the promises that He had made to Abraham, “Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you, and multiply your descendants, For the sake of My servant Abraham” (26:24).

The Lord is faithful to do all that He has promised. You and I should not be afraid, for the Lord is with us.

Are you fearful today? Are you consumed by worry? Do world events cause yougreat alarm? Are you anxious about the future?

Do not be afraid. The Lord is with you. Remember His word to Isaac, “I am the God of your father Abraham” (26:24). Our God is the One true God. He is the God of the Bible, the Creator of the world, the God of Abraham. He can do all things. He knows about your situation and is ready to extend grace and mercy. Keep trusting in Him.

How does Isaac respond to God’s statements to him? He builds an altar (26:25) and worshiped the Lord.

Our response should be the same. We must continue to call on the name of the Lord and worship Him. He is always near, ever ready to hear our prayer and continually eager to receive our worship.

“In many dangers toils and snares, I have already come. Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”