Monday, February 13, 2017
Daily reading assignment: Genesis 24-27
The four chapters assigned as today’s Bible reading (Genesis 24-27) are full of historic implications and spiritual applications. In fact, it is impossible to present a brief devotional that covers the scope of these passages of Scripture. Allow me to suggest title themes to summarize the content of the chapters as you read them.
My theme for Genesis 24 is “Here Comes the Bride”. Following the death of his beloved Sarah (23:1-2), we find Abraham burdened that Isaac, his son and heir of God’s covenant promises, would have a fitting wife. Fearing Isaac might be tempted to take a wife of the heathen tribes that dwelled in Canaan, Abraham determined to send his “eldest servant” (24:2-4) to his kindred residing in “Ur of the Chaldees” (11:27-31). Reflecting the faith of his master, Abraham’s servant prayed for the LORD to make His will clear in choosing the young woman who would become Isaac’s wife (24:12-14). God heard and answered the servant’s prayer even as he was praying (24:15-26). In a prayer of praise that is a model to all who call upon and desire the will of God, the servant prayed, “I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren” (24:27).
My title theme for Genesis 25 is “Fighting Brothers”, a story of two brothers, Esau, the father of the Edomites and Jacob, the heir of God’s covenant promises and father of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, conceived twins and the movements of the infants in her womb were extremely aggressive (25:22). 
The LORD revealed the sons in her womb would become fathers of two nations (25:23) and, contrary to their birth order, the eldest son would “serve the younger” (25:23). No doubt Rebekah shared the LORD’s unusual revelation with her husband Isaac; however, his love for his eldest son (25:27-28) motivated him to later attempt to oppose the LORD’s will and give Esau the inheritance as his firstborn son (Genesis 27).
“Dig Another Well” is my theme title for Genesis 26. Isaac, the inheritor of God’s covenant promises and the possessions and riches of his father Abraham, is so blessed by the LORD that we read, “the Philistines envied him” (26:14). Moved by envy, the Philistines began to stop up the wells that Abraham had digged in his days for his flocks and herds and “filled them with earth” (26:14-15).
My theme title for Genesis 27 is, “Esau the Carnal and Jacob the Conniver”.
Before I close today’s devotional commentary, I invite you to consider Genesis 26 and a spiritual truth some might need to hear.
Many years ago, a dear evangelist friend named Reuben Ewert preached a memorable sermon from Genesis 26 titled, “Dig Another Well”. Bro. Reuben illustrated how Isaac’s response to the Philistines filling his father’s wells with earth was a worthy model for us all to follow when conflicts arise. Because fresh water wells were invaluable in a land known for its deserts, one can imagine the hardships and personal offence Isaac might have felt as the wells dug by his father were destroyed.
How did Isaac respond? Did he become embittered? Did he plot a way and path of revenge? No, rather than revenge, he kept digging wells.
Genesis 26:18a – “And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father…”
Genesis 26:21a – “And they digged another well…”
Genesis 26:22 – And he removed from thence, and digged another well…”
Not only did Isaac dig wells, he also “builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD” (26:25).
Some reading this devotion are slaves to a bitter spirit and may long for revenge. You might be the victim of slights and mistreatment; however, your failure to address your offenses biblically has allowed a bitter, unforgiving spirit to rule your thoughts and emotions affecting your relationship with the LORD, your family and friends.
I invite you to follow Isaac’s example, set aside bitterness and move on with your life; in other words, “dig another well”.
Copyright 2017 – Travis D. Smith