“Do you come in peace?” It is a good question. Most who approach us do so with some motive in mind. Not everyone who comes to us is seeking peace. Remember Paul wrote to the Romans, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). We know that not everything depends on us.
When Abimelek brought his advisor and his general with him to meet with Isaac, it might have raised the patriarch’s eyebrows. What did they want? Isaac’s community had become so large and prosperous that this neighboring ruler was concerned. Abimelek understood Isaac’s success as evidence of God’s blessing. He wanted to make sure that Isaac and his people were not going to attack them.
Isaac offered hospitality instead of hostility. Someday Isaac’s descendants would own all the land. But on that day Isaac made an agreement not to harm his neighbors. He fed them good food and sent them on their way the next day. Simultaneously, Isaac’s men experienced more success at finding water. While Isaac was making a covenant with others, God was keeping his covenant promises to his servant.
The manifold blessings of God leave a definite mark on us. As others look at Christians today, do they see the evidence of God’s blessing on us? Is that how they would describe us? Is it possible for the people of God to live peacefully in the world? Henri Nouwen said when the world offers us hostility, we should show hospitality. Having been reconciled to God, we receive and share in a ministry of reconciliation, inviting our neighbors into relationship with our God. The God who has given us peace invites us to share it with others.
