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Youth Worship 4th December 2021 : “We have certainly seen that the LORD is with you”

Text: Genesis 26:26-34
4 December 2021

YOUTH WORSHIP SERVICE 4 December 2021

Scripture Text: Genesis 26:26-34

Message: “We have certainly seen that the LORD is with you”

INTRODUCTION

1. God’s blessings are obvious and most evident

2. There are many aspects to consider:

a) Spiritual aspect
b) Material aspect
c) Personal life aspect

ABIMELECH’S ATTEMPT TO REACH OUT TO ISAAC

1. Abimelech was the king of Gerar

2. He was accompanied by 2 people

a) Ahuzzath, a friend
b) Phichol, the commander of his army Genesis 26:26

3. He travelled from Gerar to where Isaac was

a) Isaac was in Beersheba Genesis 26:23
b) Beersheba was quite near to Gerar (1 km)

ISAAC’S WARINESS

1. Isaac’s wariness is good and wise

a) He has had many problems with Abimelech’s men
b) They had quarreled over wells many times
c) Isaac had walked away from conflict each time
i) Esek (quarrel) Genesis 26:20
ii) Sitnah (enmity) Genesis 26:21

2. Questioning Abimelech’s motive

And Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?”

Genesis 26:27

a) Relevant question
b) Important question
i) Why have you come to me?
ii) Since you hate me
iii) And you have sent me away from you?
c) To send Isaac away during a time of Famine
i) It could make Isaac’s life harder
ii) It could have resulted in Isaac’s death

ABIMELECH’S FRANK ANSWER

1. His answer

a) Shrewd
b) Tinged with fear
c) Self-interest

2. The content of his answer

28 But they said, “We have certainly seen that the Lord is with you. So we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you,

29 That you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.’ ”

Genesis 26:28-29

a) “We have certainly seen that the Lord is with you”
i) This was obvious
ii) Wells dug successfully
iii) Obvious prosperity
iv) In the midst of a Famine!
b) “So we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you,’”
i) An oath
ii) A parity covenant
c) “That you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. ”
i) Isaac will not harm the Philistines
ii) Claims that the Philistines had been good to him
iii) Isaac was sent away in peace
d) “You are now the blessed of the Lord”
i) This was a major factor
ii) There was a sense of awe of God and His power

ISAAC’S RESPONSE

30 So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31 Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.

Genesis 26:30-31

1. Isaac’s wisdom and graciousness

a) He accepted this peace offer from Abimelech
b) The parity covenant was confirmed

2. A feast was held to celebrate this event

a) Normal
b) As a sign of good will

3. Abimelech departed in peace

a) An enemy had been reconciled
b) Peace was far better than enmity

A SIGN OF GOD’S BLESSING

32 It came to pass the same day that Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well which they had dug, and said to him, “We have found water.” 33 So he called it Shebah. Therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day.

Genesis 26:32-33

1. A well had been dug successfully

2. From a well a city developed

3. God’s hand of blessing was obvious!

THE SORROW OF ISAAC AND REBECCA

34 When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite.
35 And they were a grief of mind to Isaac and Rebekah.

Genesis 26:34-35

1. Esau continued to do whatever he liked

2. He married two Hittite women

3. This was a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah

CONCLUSION

1. The Presence and Blessings of God

a) These are to be sought
b) Walking with the Lord is vital

2. The problems of Life

a) Famine
b) Hostility
c) Family
They will not go away entirely!

3. Our challenge

a) To cultivate Faith
b) To cultivate Courage to face problems of life