In this part of the chapter (found in pages 14-15 of the NKJV Bible I’m using, pages 18-19 of the NASB Bible I’m using, pages 32-33 of my VOICE copy, and page 32 of my Amplified Bible (Classic Edition) copy), we notice that Isaac sees Abimelech as Abraham had done (chapter 20). This time, Isaac actually does deceive him, but soon he calls his bluff. But we don’t need to sin, yet I noticed on the note between verses 11 and 12 of my VOICE copy that anyone who deceived a ruler was to be put to death in those times, or they would’ve severely punished the culprit(s), but I think because God was with Isaac anyway, Abimelech decided to bless him. But soon the Philistines get jealous (for Abimelech was a Philistine king in those days) of Isaac’s wealth, and even Abimelech himself kicks him out due to that. I’m just going to warn you now, people you trust now can turn on you due to God’s blessing, even if they claim to be godly. By the way, the land of the Philistines (whose ancestor is first mentioned in Genesis 10:14 (VOICE)) was a land now known as the Gaza Strip, and I must be honest, I wish they weren’t fighting with Israel. Instead, I pray for the people there to become Christian, for Jesus said in Matthew 24:14 that the gospel will be preached in every nation before the end of the age we’re in, right? (We’re in the period between Christ’s death/resurrection/ascension and the Rapture, signaling the beginning of a seven-year tribulation to judge the earth. That’s what I mean by “the age we’re in.”) Of course, I pray for people in Israel to be saved, too, for love is stronger than the hate that’s been promoted between those peoples for thousands of years. You’ll see them fairly often several books from now.
When I was reading verse 2, I noticed that the not-going-to-Egypt thing started there, and you’ll see it across most of the Old Testament. It’s an example that we shouldn’t rely on governmental stuff too much, if at all (though if they honor the Lord in anything, I don’t mind if they give us something of genuine consequence). Indeed, I fought about this stuff with my family before, and my friends notice I get triggered by this, for we know these governments have no interest in doing anything. Even three years after the minimum wage increases three times (once each New Year’s Day), politicians are fighting back. I ran into a customer who told me some things I needed to hear about the political climate of the U.S., and thank God that though none of the parties are all that good, I can at least believe that three have some potential, but one does not, though it is pretty divided because of our current president. But I’m not here to talk politics, I instead want to preach the Gospel here. It’s a waste of time if we’re not fellowshipping with Jesus. But I don’t often say anything regarding these at work because I know divisive people are always among us, and I’m afraid to find that actual violence will occur because of them. I’m also afraid to lose another friend to division and reprobation. Pray that division doesn’t occur in not only my community, but yours, too.
Isaac also had to redig the wells Abraham had planted when some Philistines, out of spite, filled them with dirt. Imagine how frustrating that was for him! Then, some herders of a place named Gerar caused contention and war as Abraham’s and Lot’s servants had done years before (Genesis 13:7). At least when he dug a third fresh well, nothing bad happened. When he began believing in God, I don’t know, but one thing I can pick up from this is that if a family member is righteous and thus displays good fruit (as opposed to the nations that have published almost nothing but unkindness in every generation, especially those who claim righteousness but degrade the leaders of tomorrow, the generations after them), it’s likely their offspring or even their sibling(s)’ offspring will follow Jesus as they do. I’m hoping Bee follows Jesus because of me, and I honestly pray there’s no hassle for her in doing that. But my mom can put enough obstacles in front of her so that division might last forever. Yet if my brother and I are unanimous in how we feel about our ancestors, and so are his family members, too (not to mention enough of our friends percentage wise) — it’s obvious those ancestors’ excuses will come to an end pretty soon. I pray that I don’t get hunted down and murdered trying to make Bee’s life easier by cutting off contact with toxic people from among us. She doesn’t deserve to lose me or anyone else! And the scary thing is, my mom knows division is a terrible idea, but keeps attacking the truth in everything! My brother might follow suit soon, and so could Bee’s mom, if nothing good happens. Even my niece’s Filipino ancestors might want to lead her astray (though my brother and I have no intention of doing that, yet I might be the only one to preach the Gospel to her with any chance of her receiving it) — I pray no more family drama, because if that happens, and another seed of a shameful legacy starts, I might die of too much sorrow. Also, did you notice that Jacob and Esau were conspicuously absent from this chapter (until the end)? You can read this chapter for yourself if you don’t know yet, that’s ok.
If you have any prayer requests, let me know! Write me some e-mails at ron.outland4727@gmail.com if you want me to pray for you about something (or ask me in person, but chances are everyone who reads this might only be in my community right now). I’ll read each one, write them down, then tape them to my bedroom walls! It won’t be long before I write on the other part of this chapter, so I’ll see you later! Also, sorry I haven’t used any emojis lately 😂😂😂😂😂
Ron And His Stories 