Him, Who? Part 8

In Genesis chapter 26, we read about a very familiar situation with Isaac, where he lies about his relationship with his wife for fear of being killed to take possession of her.  Like father, like son.  However, this time, no one takes Rebekah.  Instead, King Abimelech discovers Isaac's lie before any damage is done, and puts his protection over Isaac and Rebekah.  As a result, the couple prospered in the land, to the point that Abimelech sends them away because they have become mightier than he.  So they return to the land of his father, Abraham, where they begin to restore the wells that had been filled in after Abraham's death.  This is where we find our text today.

 

In verse 22, Isaac digs a well and, "he called its name Rehoboth, saying, 'For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.'"  The well is given this name to remind Isaac and his family that God has kept his covenant with Abraham and Abraham's children.  I think there is a particular application to us as Christians in the United States.  We have been given a place, even though we have not received a promise like Abraham's family, where we have thrived both socially and financially.  Even in our deepest recession, we remain one of the most affluent cultures in the world.  We also have the freedom to live our lives to God's glory as we understand the Bible tells us.  Might we be reminded in our worship that God has blessed us in that we could live in such a nation.  We need to be careful that we don't think that because we have used our freedom to worship God that we deserve his favor, especially if the disasters and terrorism we face are any indication.  Instead, we need to realize that God has shown grace to us in an infinitely mysterious way.  He loves us, "just because."  Let's thank Him that, "he has made us room."

-Mark Whitaker

Minister of Music and Worship

Interim Minister of Students

---

Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. Sign up now.