Day 10

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Isaac and Rebekah's twins, Esau and Jacob

Scripture

January 10—Genesis 25-26: Isaac’s Family and Great Wealth

Observation

God’s blessing on Isaac’s life is described in the two chapters of our Bible reading for today. Isaac, like his father, Abraham, is the husband of a barren wife, but in response to his prayer God gives him twin sons. Like Abraham, Isaac walks in faith and obedience to God. And Like Abraham—unfortunately—Isaac demonstrates in his dispute with Abimelech that a father’s example can be bad as well as good. It was a father like son’s moment when Isaac denied that Rebekah was his beautiful wife. Nevertheless, due to the same faith of his father God poured out rich blessings upon Isaac and his crops, flocks, herds and servants were tremendous.

Application

If you have ever questioned whether the life of the parent influences the conduct of the child, today’s reading should put those doubts to rest! God makes it clear that Abraham left a legacy of faith and obedience to his son Isaac and future generations to come (26:3, 5, 24). This profound impact for God and godliness is especially interesting because the book of Genesis paints a realistic picture of Abraham. His life and walk with God, while good examples, were far from ideal. But God used Abraham’s life, in spite of his weakness and failure, to make a spiritual mark upon countless generations to come.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to leave behind such an example of godliness for our descendants? Sounds like a tall order? But the good news is we can start building that legacy today. It’s as true today as in the days of Abraham that a life of faith and obedience comes from our daily decisions. Choice, not chance, determines our destiny.

As we continue to live, we will make decisions that have the potential to affect many lives—our own, those we love now and future unborn ones who will follow in our footsteps.

Prayer

God, we pray for wisdom and strength to make the right choices today and, in the future, in such a way that they will have positive long-range affects for generations to come. May those whom we encounter in our daily life also pass down to each generation the long-lasting results of putting our faith in you and obeying your word according to the scripture. Thank you, in Jesus name, amen!

Isaac and Rebecca spied upon by Abimelech, fresco — 1518-19 by Raphael 1483 – 1520







© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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