In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life of Isaac and highlights his significance in the biblical narrative. Despite initially appearing weak, Isaac becomes greatly blessed and prosperous in the land. The Philistines, envious of his success, fill up the wells that Abraham's servants had dug. Isaac's importance is emphasized by the fact that his story is intertwined with that of Abraham, reflecting the intimate relationship between Jesus Christ and God the Father. Abimelech, recognizing Isaac's power, asks him to leave, and Isaac obediently moves to the valley of Gira.

Now, we find here that Isaac is greatly blessed. His field brings forth a hundredfold. And the man waxed great and went forward and grew until he became very great. Now, don't miss that, friends. This is a very important verse because the impression is that Abraham was outstanding and that Jacob was actually, but not Isaac. Well, let me say that Isaac is outstanding. And now somebody is going to come along and say to me, but look, his birth is tied in with that of Abraham. His life is not separated from Abraham. He is the one that's important and when he was offered there upon the altar. But again, it's Abraham and Isaac together. And why is that? Well, we have already seen this is a wonderful picture that we have here. All these things happened unto them for examples unto us. And it reveals the intimacy between the Lord Jesus Christ and the Father. He said, he that hath seen me hath seen the Father. And he could say to the Father in the great high priestly prayer in John 17, I finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And then he said, my Father worketh hitherto and I work. Therefore, it's very proper that the story of Isaac and the story of Abraham be identified together. And that's been true. This is the first chapter that we see Isaac standing on his own two feet. And it doesn't look too attractive, but the Word of God makes it very clear that he not only waxed great, but he became very great in that land. And this man now exhibits this weakness, which is a real weakness, same sin as Abraham. Now we are told in verse 14 that he had possession of flocks and possession of herds and great store of servants. And the Philistines envied him for all the whales which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father. The Philistines had stopped them and filled them with earth. Now the Philistines just couldn't stand to see all this prosperity. And down in that land, while Abraham had been digging whales, and this boy came along, they became his, went out one morning and found out they were all filled up. The Philistines had done it. And this, by the way, is the first mention of the enmity of the Philistines that led to continual warfare later on in the days of David. Now verse 16, "...And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us, for thou art much mightier than we." Notice the important share of this man, Isaac, at this time. "...And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gera, and dwelt there." This man, Abimelech, he said, you're causing a great deal of difficulty now, and it'd be best if you left. He had great respect for Isaac, you can see. This is a part of the life of Isaac that looks like weakness, but it's not. Now will you notice it?