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Isaac gave forth such a consistent testimony that evenCJhose who had previously hated him'eventually came to recognize that God was in his life. Thus all believers are called to bear such a witness of thé Lord’s presence in their lives (Acts 1:8). Peter’s, ex hortation in this regard is powerful: "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Pet. 2:15).
Ablmelech had approached him be cause he feared that the man who belonged to such a God would do him injury. At last a sworn compact was made and Abimelech departed. Isaac’s servants digged a well there entitling it “Shebah,” (an oath). The place became known as Beer-sheba, or, “the well of the oath,” though it had been thus named even in Abra ham’s day. Isaac was a man of peace. The testimony he has passed on to us is that he trusted the Lord to open the way for him, to find a dwelling place for him and to make his enemies peaceable. He exemplifies perfectly Proverbs 16:7: “W h e n a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his e n e m i e s to be at peace with him.” Isaac’s witness bore fruit in King Abimelech’s acknowledgment of the Lord’s supremacy. Points and Problems 1. "And they digged another well" (Gen. 26:21). Isaac was a well digger. His was not a very spectacular work. His life was quiet and uneventful. He abode among his flocks, beside his wells. When trouble arose over one well, he moved on to another. Always a man of peace, his inconspicuous manner of life was a good testimony. He should be an encouragement to those who lack the brilliance of others who receive great honors from the world. God is more interested in man’s faithfulness than in his brilliance. 2. "And the Lord appeared unto him the same night" v. 24). This is the second of two manifestations of God to Isaac, the first one being recorded in the second verse of this chapter. First, a warning from God was given and then a message of hope. These experiences were unforgettable and served as guiding stars in Isaac’s career. God still appears to His serv ants. These appearances in which God makes known His will are the most precious experiences that come to a believer. The Christian should walk in the light of them. 3. "And he builded an altar there . , . and pitched his tent there" (v. 25). It is important to note that it was at the place of manifestation that Isaac did these two thingsTv. 24). In view of that appearance, Isaac bowed his heart and worshiped. It reminds the believer today that he should not forget the experiences in life when God definitely speaks to his heart. Moreover, Isaac pitched his tent there. This is suggestive of the fact that a be liever ought to live as .'closely to God’s will as possible. The revelation of this will may be found in His Word. 4. "We saw certainly that the Lord was with thee" (v. 28). The life of
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MEMORY VERSE: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matt. 5:9). AIM: To teach that peacemakers are well pleasing to God. APPROACH: Do you know any boys or girls of whom others say, “He (or she) always has to start an argu ment” ? A child who tries to make peace rather than to start quarrels is always liked. Isaac, the son of Abra ham, was one peacemaker about whom the Old Testament tells us. LESSON STORY: Isaac, with his many flocks and herds, had moved to the land which many years before had . be en the home of his father, Abraham. Some enemies of Abraham, the Philistines, had filled their wells with dirt so that they could no longer be used. When Isaac returned to this land, he opened these wells to pro vide water for his animals. He gave to each well the same name that his father had used. While Isaac’s servants were digging one of these wells, his enemies argued with them, claiming that it was their well. Isaac might have kept it by fighting for it. He chose, instead, to allow the Philistines to have the well, and he moved to another place. Again the enemies demanded the well that the servants were digging. Some men certainly would have fought this time, but no, Isaac avoided quarrel ling by moving on. The third time Isaac’s enemies did not try to take the well. Isaac was so happy that at-last there was peace, and so grateful to God for letting him keep this well that he called the well “Room,” for God had made room for him. By refusing to argue or fight with others, Isaac pleased God and showed his enemies his love for God. Isaac knew that God would bless him for being a peacemaker. Sometimes boys and girls believe that it takes courage to fight. But it really takes more courage to be a peacemaker. God’s Word says of peacemakers, "they shall be called the children of God.”
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