COV LIFE BLOG

Genesis 25-26 – The Blessing of the Presence of the Lord

Many people confuse the blessing of the Lord with the presence of the Lord. How often we measure a person or his work by the outward appearance, rather than seeking to understand the inner essence of the person himself.

“The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). John 7:24 reminds us: “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

It is possible for a man to become very great and have many possessions and yet not have the full joy of the Lord’s presence. Isaac was such a man.

In Genesis 26:3, when God told Isaac, “I will be with thee, and will bless thee,” this was the same as saying, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). This was the presence of God.

Many times we are more concerned about the blessings of God than we are about the presence of God. Where do you stand in your relationship with the Lord?

People often say, “God is good to me,” by which they mean that they have experienced good health or prosperity. What a person possesses is not always a safe measure of his dedication to the Lord.

“My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest” (Ex. 33:14).

Theodore Epp

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MEDITATION ON THE SERMON PASSAGE
Read Genesis 25-26.

Did you realize that as a believer the presence of God is with you always? Are you resting in his presence and walking in that presence?

SONG FOR THIS WEEK
We Will Not Be Shaken by Bethel Music