I'm starting on '500 Daily Study for Bible Characters' for my QT in 2009. There are 5 books altogether. So, by the time I finished these 5 books (2 1/2 years), I'll know 500 Bible characters :)
This is the fifth day on Isaac (Gen 26: 1-5; 12-33).
The neighboring Philistines grew jealous because everything Isaac did seemed to go right. So they plugged his wells and tried to get rid of him. Jealousy is a dividing force strong enough to tear apart the mightiest of nations or the closest of friends. I learnt that when I find myself becoming jealous of others, try thanking God for their good fortune. Before striking out in anger, consider what I could lose...
Water was as precious as gold in the land where Isaac was at that time (on the edge of a desert). If someone dug a well, he was staking a claim to the land. To plug up someone's well was an act of war, it was one of the most serious crimes in the land. Isaac had every right to fight back when the Philistines ruined his wells, and yet he chose to keep the peace. In the end, the Philistines respected him 4 his patience.
Rather than start a huge conflict, Isaac compromised for the sake of peace. I admire his patience... really... that's what I most lack of... I prayed that I would be willing to forsake whatever my right is to keep peace. Asking God for wisdom to know when to withdraw and when to stand and fight also.
With his enemies wanting to make a peace treaty, Isaac was quick to respond, turning the occasion into a celebration. Here, I learnt that I should be just as receptive to those who want to make peace with me. When God's influence in my live attracts people even enemies - I must take the opportunity to reach out to them with God's love.
