Because Abraham

And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.

Genesis 26:4-5

When times are tough we feel pressure to make decisions that conflict with our obedience to God in good times. It’s like this for all of God’s people. Isaac is facing a famine in the land that has been promised to Abraham and all of his descendants, and he is considering a move to Egypt.

When considering that move, God speaks to him and instructs him to stay and restates the covenant. What a moment! How hard it must’ve been to walk by faith, and not by sight, when there is no Walmart or Lowe’s to restock the shelves!

What strikes me the most in this passage are the words “because that Abraham obeyed my voice.” Abraham has passed away at this point, and Isaac is having to live by faith on his own. However, what a blessing that Abrahams faith continued to be a blessing to his descendants. Because Abraham obeyed God’s voice, Isaac was a recipient of blessing.

Who will we bless by our obedience to God? Whose life will be made better, who’s faith will be encouraged by our faith? In this passage, we see that Abraham’s family receives immediate blessing. And, if the only people that are helped is our children and our grandchildren, then it will be worth it all!

Stay faithful, and pass on the blessing.

-C.R.