Genesis 26:12-14a Our children’s blessedness begins with the our righteousness

Genesis 26:12-14a  Our children’s blessedness begins with the our righteousness

12 Now Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. And the Lord blessed him, 13 and the man became rich, and continued to grow richer until he became very wealthy; 14 for he had possessions of flocks and herds and a great household, so that the Philistines envied him.

Background

Isaac, having received the divine directive stays in the land. God rewards his obedience with a hundredfold harvest that same year. Today’s devotion teaches us that God will bring to our children a greater measure of prosperity that we currently possess if we remain faithful to His commandments. Our children’s blessedness begins with our righteousness.

Observation

Now Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold.

God has shown Himself faithful when He multiplies Isaac’s harvest a hundredfold. And the patriarch’s possessions of flocks and herds and a great household has become an eyesore to the natives. The growing wealth gap between Isaac and the indigenous Philistines has reached alarming levels causing great angst among them.

Truth

Our children’s blessedness begins with our righteousness

Indeed, Isaac experiences a greater measure of material prosperity than his father, Abraham. To Abraham, God promises the land of Canaan. But to Isaac, God promises “all these lands” which include territories beyond Canaan; in Gerar (see Genesis 26:3). God blesses Abraham abundantly, but he has never been said to have reaped a hundredfold harvest. History explicitly shows that Isaac achieves more materially speaking than his predecessor does.

Having said, did Isaac exhibit more faith than Abraham to warrant an additional measure of material prosperity? In regards to faith, the author does not make a direct comparison between Abraham and Isaac. However, we see a pattern in biblical history and prophecies that God is preparing man for the advent of a new heaven and new earth through His Son, Jesus. By establishing the necessary foundations, God is bringing forth the ultimate blessing of heaven to the earth. Jesus teaches the disciples to pray for a greater experience of the heavenly life, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10. The prophet Isaiah lays down God’s future scheme of things,

“Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. “Behold, I will do something new” Isaiah 43:18-19a.

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. “But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; Isaiah 65:17-18a

Through biblical history, we see God bringing an exponential measure of prosperity for the children of the righteous. Thus, Isaiah calls on the people to fear God while expecting Him to do something new. The apostle Paul draws attention to God’s tendency to bring unprecedented blessings and to act beyond man’s expectation.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesian 3:20-21

Therefore, believers need not worry about their children’s future. By remaining faithful to God, they will see unprecedented increase in the prosperity of their children and disciples. Many work hard supposing by leaving a material inheritance for their children they may continue to prosper. But their children fight greedily over their estate and squander it away.

Here is what we can learn from Abraham’s story: The greatest blessing a parent can leave to their children is the heritage of righteousness. The blessedness of the children hinges upon the parents just as Isaac’s future depends on Abraham and Sarah’s faithfulness. For God will bring forth for the children a greater measure of blessing than what their forefathers currently possess: wisdom, favour, righteousness and wealth.

Application

Are you primarily concerned with equipping your children with the survival skills needed to prosper in the material world? You may be more concerned about your children studying their school books rather than the bible. The result: you will bring forth children who are rich in material but poor in the things of God. They may gain the world, but in the process, lose their soul. Your children’s eternal blessedness begins with you. Therefore, inculcate into your children righteousness and the love for God by setting aside time daily to read the bible with them. Be a living example of Christ in the modern world. In doing so, you imbue into your children and disciples an eternal blessing and reward.

Dear Lord, I no longer worry about my children and my disciple’s wellbeing because you have promised to bless them. Help me grow in faith and righteousness. Create in me a heart that loves your truth and that seeks your kingdom. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.