September 27, 2023
Our love for Christ and following Him matters. It not only affects us, but all those around us, and particularly our children. Isaac was the inheritor of the Lord's promise because of God's grace and goodness, but also his father Abraham's obedience played a part.
“I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give your descendants all these lands; and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed Me and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes and My laws.” (Genesis 26:4-5)
I have often thought that the greatest gift I can give my children is to love God with all my heart, as best I can, and follow him. It makes a difference to my children what I do and think and believe.
EXISTING WELLS
But there was more for Isaac, laid down by his dad.
Then Isaac dug again the wells of water which had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham; and he gave them the same names which his father had given them. (Genesis 26:18)
Although most of us have never had to do it, it's a no-brainer to realize that digging a well must be very hard work. For Isaac, half the work was done because of his father's faithful, diligent labor. The simple act of caring for his flocks had paved the way to help his son. I imagine Abraham never considered this normal daily work as something that would transfer to his son, but it did.
My work today, faithfully done under God's guidance and with his blessing, will help my children. I must do my work faithfully unto the Lord, but also with those who come behind in mind.
Lord, help me follow YOU today! To love you with all my heart, and mind, and soul, and strength. Help me to do this because it is what You deserve, but also to be a conduit of blessing to others ... and particularly those in my "first church"... my own family!
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