7/3/22 - In the Presence - Genesis 26:1-35 - Pastor Steve Johnson

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? 

Or where shall I flee from your presence? 

If I ascend to heaven, you are there! 

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!”

(Psalm 139:7-8)

 

As we come to Genesis 26, we find what amounts to a short narrative of Isaac’s life. It’s interesting that, even though Isaac lived longer than any of the other patriarchs (180 years), less is recorded about him than any other. Genesis 26 is really the only chapter dedicated to his life.

Isaac's story in the first part of the chapter reminds us eerily of Abraham's "adventure" in Genesis 20. Both faced a famine, both traveled to the land of the Philistines, both lied about their wife, and both had to deal with Abimelech (who might be a particular king, or simply the title of the king of the Philistines at the time).

But Genesis 26 is not a simple repeat. What jumps off the text are the two visits from Yahweh Himself, the reiteration of the blessing promised to his father, Abraham, now upon Isaac and his offspring, and most of all, the praise and reality of God’s presence throughout Isaac’s ups and downs. Three times God makes it clear – He will be with Isaac in the future (vs. 3), He is now with him (vs. 24), and He has already been with him in the past (vs. 28).

We don’t talk about it a lot, but the reality is that, like with Isaac, God has, is, and always will be with you in every moment and in every situation to protect, bless, and help you. And how you respond to His presence has everything to do with how you will live your life. On Sunday, we’ll see how God’s presence changed Isaac’s life, and how it can change yours!
 

Until then, be encouraged with these words from the Psalmist:
 

In your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.