Today I read Genesis 26 where the Lord renews His covenant with Abraham through Isaac. There are a lot of similarities to Abraham and Isaac's life. Both had to flee from a famine. Both feared for their lives when moving to a new location because of the beauty of their wives. Both were good and righteous men who were blessed by the Lord. The scriptures almost make me feel like life back then was very much how we picture it in movies that are post apocalyptic. The strongest rule and take whatever they wish. However, in all instances, when the leader of the land where they are living finds out that the woman in question is not the man's sister by his wife they are outraged that they may have taken another man's wife. I'm not seeing the connection there personally. Honestly it's quite refreshing to me that so many people in those days seemed to respect God and marriage. But there probably is more to the story than we know.
One of the interesting things about Abraham and Isaac and even Jacob, Isaac's son and heir, is that despite their wealth they remained true and faithful to God. We learn from the Book of Mormon that few things try the faith of men faster and more surely than wealth. When the Nephites get wealthy, that is always when they get into trouble and when sin starts coming into their communities. However, Abraham and Isaac and later Jacob, are all able to withstand the test of having great wealth. They were true and faithful men that would withhold nothing from their God. They are fantastic people to emulate. It should be each of our goals to have our calling and election made sure and in order to make that happen we need to get to the point of not withholding anything from the Lord also.
The last part of this chapter talks about Esau taking a wife that is not of the covenant which brings much sorrow to Rebekah and Isaac. Children causing their parents grief over their spousal choices is nothing new it would seem. However, it is good to note that despite their grief over it, Isaac and Rebekah seem to come to terms with it and not try and force Esau about the matter. This I think is the proper course for any parent to take despite the frustration and perhaps sorrow they feel about the matter. Especially when children grow up, it says Esau was 40 at the time, all a parent can do is love and help guide when possible. I can only imagine how hard it must be to be a parent and watch your children make choices that are not in line with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now that I have children of my own I just hope and pray that I can help them gain testimonies of the Gospel and that they will make their own good and righteous choices. Until tomorrow.
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