And Isaac dwelt in Gerar:   And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.
Genesis 26:6-7  

This is a textbook case of “like father, like son”. Like his father before him – who twice said his wife Sarah was his sister while amongst pagan inhabitants – Isaac says the same concerning his wife, Rebekah. Why did Isaac say this? The same reason Abraham did – fear. 

One thing we can appreciate about the Bible, is that it is an honest Book. It makes no attempt to cover up the sin and human frailty of its heroes. Noah’s drunkenness; David’s adultery; Moses’s murder; Solomon’s idolatry; Jonah’s rebellion – and Abraham & Isaac’s cowardice – is plainly recorded for all to see.

Of course, the Bible in no way glamorizes or excuses such conduct; but it does point it out to show that imperfect people are all God has to use – and uses them, He does. Despite their sin, Noah is called righteous (Ezk 14:14); the Messiah is called “The Son of David” (Mt 21:9); Moses appears with Jesus on the mount (Mk 9:4); Solomon is acknowledged by Jesus for His wisdom (Mt 12:42); Jonah is acknowledged by Jesus as a preacher of repentance (Lk 11:32); Abraham is called our father in the faith (Rom 4) and Christians are called “children of the promise” – like Isaac (Gal 4:28).

These things – and many more – are recorded for us, that we might learn from them and not make the same mistakes (1Cor 10:6-12). We ought never try to justify ourselves by saying, ‘Well, _____ did that in the Bible and God forgave them, so I’m alright.” No, we are never to justify sin. However, we are to take comfort in the fact, that there is forgiveness in Christ when we confess our sin and repent (1Jn 1:9-2;2). God doesn’t throw us away. 

Cowardice is a sin, like any other (Rev 21:8). Though Abraham and Isaac were great men of faith; they nevertheless failed in this area. Yet, they were still used mightily of God; and we will still sit down with them in the Kingdom (Mt 8:11). 

As born-again saints, we are covenant children of God – and He does not take covenant lightly. He will never leave us nor forsake us. If we sin, we confess it and turn from it – but we don’t quit. We come boldly unto the throne of grace to find help in our time of need. God will forgive and restore. His gifts and callings are without repentance; and His purpose and plan for us remains. Don’t count yourself out; nor let the enemy count you out – for God doesn’t count you out.

In HIS Love,
Pastor J.D. Link

Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, Blanco,Texas