Read Genesis 26:26-31 – Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath, one of his friends, and Phichol the commander of his army. And Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?” But they said, “We have certainly seen that the Lord is with you. So we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you, that you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.’” So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. (NKJV)
What an interesting moment for Isaac. Abimelech had sent him away, more in fear than in anger, but Isaac’s departure doesn’t provide the king with the security he seeks. So he wants to make an agreement that will keep Isaac and his apparent strength at bay. Perhaps the most interesting statement comes when Abimelech credits God for Isaac’s strength, “We have certainly seen that the Lord is with you.” Now that’s a powerful understanding. And Isaac’s response is one of grace as he prepares a feast and pledges to treat this nervous king with kindness. We should ask ourselves if people see God’s presence in our strength and if we are ready to respond with the grace and blessing that would affirm His presence in our lives. When people think they see Jesus in us, it’s vital that we act in a way that truly reveals Him.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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