GENESIS 26:21-22
Isaac sought for satisfaction without a complete return, so he dug wells. However, there
could be no real spiritual satisfaction until he completely returned to the Lord. God was
forcing Isaac back to his homeland by permitting the Philistines to close up the wells he
reopened. However, even in this, Isaac showed a very lovely trait in his life.
He did not insist on his own rights. He simply moved to another place. First Peter 2:19-
20 says, "For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief,
suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall
take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is
acceptable with God."
The Philistines were treating Isaac wrongfully, but he did not insist on his own rights.
God rewarded Isaac for not insisting on his own rights. God patiently worked with Isaac
until He had him in the place He desired him to be.
In 1 Peter 3:8-9 believers are exhorted: "Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one
of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing
for railing: but contrariwise blessing." That is, we are to do good toward those who do us
evil. God richly blesses the Christian who does this.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up (James 4:10).

Theodore Epp
www.backtothebible.in