Will You Pay the Price for Peace?

Daily Devotional – Saturday, June 10, 2023
Therefore, let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
Romans 14:19 (NKJV)

Isaac had left Gerar on the request of Abimelech. Since taking refuge in Gerar, Isaac had grown wealthier with large flocks of animals and many servants. The servant of God was now living in the Valley of Gerar but he had to pay the price for peace.

Go Away From Us

Abimelech’s message to Isaac before the latter left for the valley was, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.” (Genesis 26:16). Therefore, the son of Abraham did not expect Abimelech’s people to come after him and cause trouble.

The conflict revolved around wells that the late Abraham had dug in the valley. Over the years, the wells had fallen into disuse after the Philistines had filled them up. Needing water for his pasture and family, Isaac dug the wells again.

Pursuing Coexistence

It did not take long before the herdsmen of Gerar realized there was water. They confronted Isaac’s servants, saying, “The water is ours.” (Verse 20). What would you have done if you were Isaac? After all, this was your father’s property.

Well, instead of fighting back, Isaac named the well ‘Esek’, meaning contention, and moved his flocks to another abandoned well. He chose to be a coward for the sake of peace. Of course, the shepherds of Gerar stopped bothering him now that they had the well to themselves. No!

The LORD Has Made Room for Us

The bothersome herdsmen followed Isaac and claimed the new well. This time Isaac resisted. No! Once again, he chose to pursue peace. He named this well ‘Sitnah’, meaning hatred and moved on to a new location.

Thankfully, the enemy got tired and did not follow the patriarch when he dug up a new well and called it ‘Rehoboth’, stating, “…now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” (Genesis 26:22).

Let Us Pursue … Peace

Isaac valued peace and was ready to lose his rights and privileges for the sake of peaceful coexistence with his neighbours. He exemplified Paul’s exhortation to the Roman Christians many years later, “Therefore, let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19).

In pursuing peace, we sometimes have to flee from those who seek trouble. Not all conflicts are solved through confrontation. Some require you to walk away, like a coward. By choosing to desert the aggressor, you will save yourself and others pain and even death.

Will You Pay the Price for Peace?

Notice that at the third trial, Isaac experienced peace. Even the worst provoker gets tired of pursuing a person who keeps walking away. Indeed, the people of Gerar later followed Isaac, this time to make peace with him! (Verse 26).

Are there people, relationships, situations and places you need to walk away from to find peace with God, others and yourself? Are you willing to pay the price for peace, including sacrificing some of your privileges?

Prayer
Dear God, give me courage to walk away from specific relationship, individuals, places and circumstances for the sake of peace.