Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Genesis 26 – Praying through the Bible #15 – A Prayer of Peace
Normally, people want peace. Normal people want peace. “If possible, be at peace with everyone” (Rom 12.18). “If possible” are comforting words. How we obtain peace determines future peace, including rejoining peace breakers. Both false and true solutions are sought, and a few endure turning the other meek cheek. In Genesis 26, Isaac shows meekness and weakness, fearfulness and faithfulness.
Isaac’s fear tempts him to find false peace. He repeats dear ole Dad’s sin by lying to another King Abimelech, saying his wife is his sister (26.7-11). Beware parents, we set examples and set can mean permanent and unmovable, as in “the concrete is set.” False peace is not God’s peace.
God’s blessings disrupt the peace. Ninety years after Abraham’s famine (12), again there is famine (26.1). Despite deprivation, God blesses Isaac’s crops 100 fold (26.12). Blessings bring out the worse in the unblessed. Isaac is forced to leave by the Philistine king, and he leaves peacefully. Envy (26.14-15), fear, (26.16), hatred (26.27), laziness, unhappiness, selfishness, revenge, stimulate agitation and disruption.
Peacemaking leads to personal unrest. After leaving, Isaac repairs Abraham’s wells which are subsequently wrongfully claimed by those not legally the owners. Impacted, Isaac names one well Esek meaning “quarrel.” Reopening another, also stolen, he calls it Sitnah meaning hostility. Finally, he repairs one and is left alone. Finding peace, he names that one Rehoboth meaning “open spaces” saying, “For now the LORD has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land” (26.22). Open spaces is a good description of peace. Isaac waits on God to provide the serene solution.
Peacemaking brings peace. After all the agitation, God appears giving Isaac the promise given to Abraham. So he builds an altar there, and calls on the name of the LORD (26.25). Unexpectedly, Abimelech again appears claiming he is a peacemaker wanting an oath of peace with Isaac (26.28-29). Isaac sends him away in peace (26.31).
Prayer Challenge: Pray that we will be the type of people that want peace, but not at any price. Meekness is strength that does not force its rights. Weakness is giving in to false solutions, calling it peace. Pray for understanding that even in serenity, there are problems. Pray for harmony even with those who disrupt peace.
Comments