“Embracing Change To Experience Life!” Genesis 26:24,25

3 Things in the life of Isaac which are symbolic of SPIRITUAL NECESSITIES for anyone who desires to live a life of faith.

Genesis 26:25…. “ Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD. There he pitched his tent, and there his servants dug a well.” [TNIV] “ Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD. There he pitched his tent, and there his servants dug a well.” [TNIV]

Genesis 26:25a…. “ Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD…..” [TNIV] “ Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD…..” [TNIV]

Genesis 26:13,14…. “ 13 The man (Isaac) became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. 14 He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him.” [TNIV]

Genesis 26:16…. “Then Abimelek said to Isaac, ‘Move away from us; you have become too powerful for us.’ ” [TNIV] “Then Abimelek said to Isaac, ‘Move away from us; you have become too powerful for us.’ ” [TNIV]

Genesis 26:23,24…. “ 23 From there he went up to Beersheba. 24 That night the LORD appeared to him and said, ‘I am the God of your father Abraham. ….

Genesis 26:23,24…. …. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.” [TNIV] …. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.” [TNIV]

What was Isaac’s response to the revelation of God? Genesis 26:25…. “ Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD. There he pitched his tent, and there his servants dug a well.” [TNIV] “ Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD. There he pitched his tent, and there his servants dug a well.” [TNIV]

What does an “ALTAR” speaks of here? Genesis 22:10-12

Possibly NO-ONE knew the COST OF FULL DEDICATION more than Isaac.

An “ALTAR” is where you make your sacrifices to God.

Romans 12:1…. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is true worship (reasonable service).” [TNIV] “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is true worship (reasonable service).” [TNIV]

Elijah …. 1 Kings 18

Genesis 26:25b…. “ …. There he pitched his tent, …..” [TNIV] “ …. There he pitched his tent, …..” [TNIV] A “TENT” speaks of….

His “house” was not some geographical location where all his possessions were established — his home was wherever God and His will were to be found.

As Christians, we are pilgrims PASSING THROUGH this world. We must remain DETACHED from this world and all that it holds dear. … because our hearts belong to another Kingdom. … because our hearts belong to another Kingdom.

“ He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, in order to gain what he cannot lose.” “ He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, in order to gain what he cannot lose.”

Matthew 6:33…. “But seek first his kingdom….” [TNIV] We must be detached from this world’s pleasure. We must be detached from this world’s pleasure.

1 John 2:15,17…. “ 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If you love the world, love for the Father is not in you. …. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” [TNIV] “ 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If you love the world, love for the Father is not in you. …. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” [TNIV]

Genesis 26:25c…. “ …. and there his (Isaac’s) servants dug a well.” [TNIV] A “WELL” speaks of….

The Bible describes a person who reads and meditates upon the Word of God as: “... like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” [Psalm 1:3] “... like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” [Psalm 1:3]

For Isaac it was a matter of life and death. It was a matter of DIGGING or DYING! He had to have water.

The same is true concerning God’s Word in our lives. Without it we will DIE SPIRITUALLY!

Matthew 4:4…. “... It is written: 'People (man) do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” [TNIV] “... It is written: 'People (man) do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” [TNIV]

We can’t live without the Word of God. We are dependent on it. It gives us life! Yet many people can go on living for Jesus and serving Him on empty tank (spiritually bankrupt). Yet many people can go on living for Jesus and serving Him on empty tank (spiritually bankrupt).

A WELL speaks of DEPENDENCE. Dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word for our life journey and victory. Dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word for our life journey and victory.

3 Things Isaac did….

Are these characteristics present in your life today?

Have you built an altar ? Daily renewing your DEDICATION to the Lord.

Have you pitch a tent ? DETACHED from the things of this world.

Have you dug a well ? DEPENDENT upon the Word of God.