Peace in the Midst of Enemies
Abimelech warned all the people, saying, "Whoever touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death."
GENESIS 26:11
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Peace in the Midst of Enemies
You see how kind the Lord is to His saints. To be sure, He tests them, sends them into exile, lets them be exposed to danger of their reputation and their life, and permits them to be afflicted with famine and misfortunes of every kind; yet He provides excellent, quiet, and safe hospitality and grants peace in the midst of their enemies. These things are recorded to strengthen our faith—even if perils and misfortunes rush in, just as Isaac is living in the utmost danger—that God nevertheless leads and preserves us. For the Church must have a place and nest on this earth. If one or another prince does not want to protect us, God will give someone else to provide hospitality in a kindly manner. And for the most part He is wont to choose a host without our advice or judgment, yes, even beyond and contrary to our hope and expectation. In this way Isaac obtained safety and quiet in that land, and later on he became exceedingly rich, with the result that the inhabitants begrudged him such great good fortune and he was compelled to move to another place. All this is related in order that we may believe in God, who leads and preserves us; for when we have the Word, we are indeed exercised by sundry perils, but in such a way that we do not perish or despair in the trial but rejoice in peace and give thanks to God.
GENESIS 26:11
+
Peace in the Midst of Enemies
You see how kind the Lord is to His saints. To be sure, He tests them, sends them into exile, lets them be exposed to danger of their reputation and their life, and permits them to be afflicted with famine and misfortunes of every kind; yet He provides excellent, quiet, and safe hospitality and grants peace in the midst of their enemies. These things are recorded to strengthen our faith—even if perils and misfortunes rush in, just as Isaac is living in the utmost danger—that God nevertheless leads and preserves us. For the Church must have a place and nest on this earth. If one or another prince does not want to protect us, God will give someone else to provide hospitality in a kindly manner. And for the most part He is wont to choose a host without our advice or judgment, yes, even beyond and contrary to our hope and expectation. In this way Isaac obtained safety and quiet in that land, and later on he became exceedingly rich, with the result that the inhabitants begrudged him such great good fortune and he was compelled to move to another place. All this is related in order that we may believe in God, who leads and preserves us; for when we have the Word, we are indeed exercised by sundry perils, but in such a way that we do not perish or despair in the trial but rejoice in peace and give thanks to God.
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