Like Father, Like Son

Here we go again, this time with the son! In Genesis 26 we find Isaac lying about his relationship with his wife because he is afraid that the people among whom he is living will kill him for her. Apparently he is willing to give her up if necessary in order to save his own neck!

This is a terrible commentary on the character of Isaac. And yet, I cannot be too harsh on him without remembering that he is only living up to the example set for him by his father. In Genesis 12 and again in Genesis 20 Abraham does the exact same thing!

These are not what I would call "stand up" guys! To be honest, I would more likely use the word jerk. And that's being kind. But as I noted in Genesis 20, this kind of thing gives me hope because for all their flaws and bad decisions, God still uses and blesses Abraham and his son Isaac. So there's hope for people like me!

Here's the other thing of significance to me from this passage: the power of fear. Abraham lied and placed his whole family in jeopardy, because he was afraid. And then here we find his son Isaac also lying and placing his family in jeopardy, BECAUSE HE WAS AFRAID.

Fear is a powerful and destructive force. It drives us to inactivity at times and we do nothing for fear of doing the wrong thing. Other times, like in Isaac's case, it drives us to poor choices and actions in an attempt to "fix" something, or protect ourselves from something.

What fears do I have in my life that God would rather I trade in for trust?

The best news in all of this, to me, is that God protected Abraham and his family and Isaac and his family in spite of them. I can only rely on God to be as merciful to me while I'm learning to to trust and live without fear.

Created over 2 years ago