Read GENESIS 26

The saying “like father, like son” means that a child displays similar characteris- tics as his father. The expression has been around since at least the 1300s, but the sentiment is certainly older than that, as today’s reading shows.

As the Genesis narrative shifts from Abraham to the next generations, Genesis 26 is the only detailed material we have about Isaac. But the similarities between father and son are clear. Like Abram’s call from Haran, Isaac was called to “live in the land where I tell you to live” (v. 2). Likewise, God reaffirmed the Abrahamic promises for Isaac: His presence, land for Isaac’s descendants, offspring as numerous as the stars, and blessing for the nations. God’s covenant with Abraham was extended to his son Isaac as well.

Yet, like his father, Isaac lied about his wife being his sister. Rather than rely on God’s promises, Isaac demonstrated

fear in the face of uncertainty. Just as Abimelek, king of Gerar, admonished Abraham earlier (see Genesis 20), so again he chastised Isaac for the same deceit. The tension between them forced Isaac to depart, even as their servants continued to quarrel over scarce water wells. It would appear that Isaac’s duplicity had jeopardized his safety in God’s promised land.

But God did not abandon Isaac. Appearing at Beersheba, the Lord offered an encouraging word: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham” (v. 24). Later, animosity with Abimelek was exchanged for peace and further blessing. God’s covenant promise of blessing was not nullified by weak faith, and Isaac’s response was appropriate. He “built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD” (v. 25).

APPLY THE WORD

The contemporary song “Fear Not, For I Have Redeemed You (Isaiah 43),” by Esther Mui, puts to music God’s call in Isaiah 43:1 to put away fear in light of His faithful love. Listen to this song throughout your day as a meditative reminder that our fearful circumstances are nothing compared to God’s redeeming love and faithful promises in Christ.

http://www.todayintheword.org