Thursday, January 18, 2024
Pause. Pray. Read. Be still. Write. Pray. Go about your day or turn in for the night.
Read: Genesis 26:19-22a Digging New Wells of Truth
But when Isaac’s servants dug in the valley
and found there a well of spring water,
the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen,
saying, “The water is ours.”
(Genesis 26:19, NRSV)
Seeking to live in peace, Isaac moved his herds and household to a new area, apart from those who contended with him. Yet again Isaac experienced friction with the Philistines. I wonder if the psalmist remembered Isaac when he cried out in frustration, “I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!” (Psalm 120:7).
When, in peace, we dig new wells of truth for ourselves, those still grounded in worldly attitudes and values inevitably will contend with us to defend or achieve their self-interests. The Pharisees and Sadducees questioned and challenged everything Jesus said or did. Yet, Christ was the Prince of Peace. He remained firm in his stand and moved on. Abraham and Isaac did the same.
Be still and Reflect: How does Isaac’s story encourage you to live into Christ-like peace despite opposition while seeking new wells of truth? How does this passage prompt you to approach a quarrelsome person differently?
Pray: Lord God, I thank You for Your Word and the lessons it teaches me. Help me to be like Isaac, who trusted in You, searched for deeper and new wells of Your truth to live by, and was blessed with abundance. Guide me as I seek Your will. I ask this in the name of the Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus. Amen.