Isaac, the Quiet Patriarch

Scripture Reading: Genesis 17: 15-22

Key Verse: I will establish my covenant with him(Isaac) (Genesis 17:19)

Meditation: The scriptures speak clearly of the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Not one patriarch, but all three are needed as vessel to reveal to the people what God is like and what He  is "up to" in the nations of the world. Without question Abraham was the true forefather, for he was the first man in history to be called upon both to forsake everything and to sacrifice his only son. 

Isaac, the second patriarch, appears to be a quiet man in contract to his father. Issac's life is not know for any daring triumphs. Not are there any records of God's breaking in upon  Isaac's life with visions and calls to action. But in the quietness of Isaac's life there were two important communications from God. 

God revealed himself to Isaac to remind his that the covenant He made with Abraham would  be extended through Isaac as well (Genesis 15:1-5). The only requirement for Isaac was that he have faith in what God promised. Then, God communicated with Isaac the second time(Genesis 26:15) to actually ratify the earlier covenant.

Like Isaac, it is important that each of us realize we are needed in God's great plan. While some may be called to be trail blazers, not all of us are. Some may be like Isaac who was a well digger.  He concentrated on re-opening his father's wells. In addition to providing for his own flocks in this way, he also actively ministered to the people of the community . The people would know that the God of Abraham is still alive and working out His purposes in Canaan.

Thought for the Day: Just as Abraham needed an Isaac and later Jacob to keep his work going forward, so no one stands alone in the fulfillment of God's purpose.