This week, we will review Isaac’s life from his perspective. Then for the next few weeks, we’ll look at some of the same situations but see them from Jacob’s point of view.
Isaac was Abraham and Sarah’s promised son. We can assume that Abraham must have given Isaac a lot of godly training in his early years. During the story of his sacrifice, Isaac asked the right questions, was a willing participant and trusted his earthly and heavenly fathers. Abraham and Sarah had an enormous impact on his spiritual growth. Am I doing the same by encouraging Avery to seek God?
When Sarah dies, Isaac is devastated. He trusts God, through Abraham’s servant, to provide a wife and a lifelong companion. Isaac and Rebekah wait many years for God’s promise of a son. What does Isaac do during this challenging situation? He goes to God and intercedes on Rebekah’s behalf. God wants us to pray for others. Who should I be praying for now?
Later Isaac commits the same sin as Abraham by claiming that Rebekah was his sister. Isaac’s sin is revealed by Abimelech (probably a member of the same family line as the Abimelech of Abraham’s day).
Then Isaac battles over wells with the Philistines. He is obedient and patient. He trusts God to provide for him and his family. He relies on God’s character and promises. After this, God’s promise to Abraham is reiterated to Isaac personally (26:24). Isaac builds an altar to worship God. Abimelech sees this. He notices God’s provision and protection toward Isaac and wants to make a treaty with Isaac.
This is the “main event” in Isaac’s life. Isaac experienced all of the blessings of growing up in Abraham’s household. But he had to choose on his own to follow and obey God. Godly faith is a personal decision that each of us must experience on our own. Just because we were raised in a godly home or raised with spiritual influences doesn’t make us Christians. Each of us must have a personal relationship with God. The main event of our lives is choosing to enter into a personal relationship with God, just as it was for Isaac. Our personal relationships with God will result in many blessings! But this main event must be followed by a lifetime of walking with God.
Unfortunately, Isaac is most remembered for his downfall even though it’s apparent he loved and trusted the Lord and was blessed by Him. Eventually God answers Isaac’s prayers and blesses Isaac and Rebekah with twin sons. Isaac favors Esau while Rebekah favors Jacob. Isaac plots to give Esau the blessing of the birthright even though God promised it to Jacob.
God is sovereign, and His purpose will stand. Isaac blesses Jacob, the person God intended to receive the blessing all along. Isaac trembles when he realizes what he has done and when he recognizes God’s sovereignty. He blatantly tried to thwart God’s plan. God punishes Isaac by creating a rift in the family that lasts for many years to come.
Isaac shows us that we must finish our lives well! We shouldn’t let our guard down when we are comfortable or when we get older or when we experience victories or trials. We should be determined to guard our walks with the Lord when we know our physical weak points. What is my weak point? Isaac was focused more on the blessings in his life than the God who provided them. What will I do to guard my walk and finish my life with excellence?
And Avery’s memory verse was:
Psalm 28:7 NIV