Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. But to the sons of his concubines Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country.
Genesis 25:5-6 (ESV)
Root Vs. Fruit
When I was in high school, our marching band took a trip in the spring one year to a dude ranch near Bandera, Texas. My parents didn’t always go on trips with my school and church groups. However, this particular time, both of them had come along with the band.
One day of the trip, the entire group went into town to sightsee and shop for souvenirs. While in Bandera, the self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of Texas, my mom and dad bought me an entire cowgirl outfit to wear to the dance on the last night of the trip.
Bring the Bank
I was probably the best-dressed girl at the dance, with new cowboy boots, jean skirt, and ruffled peasant blouse. My mom made a comment that has stuck with me. When Daddy was purchasing the clothes, she motioned to my dad and said, “You didn’t just bring traveler’s checks with you this trip. You brought the ‘bank’.”
The night of the dance, I will never forget dancing with my dad at the barn dance and how fun the whole experience was. In fact, that is really the only thing I remember well from that trip at all.
Root of the Blessing
When I was journaling something that came up in a sermon my husband gave at his brother-in-law’s church, I kept thinking of that high school trip. One of the things Mike said in his teaching was “It is always better to have the root of the blessing than just to have the fruit of the blessing.”
The Death of Abraham
In Genesis 25:5-6, the passage is talking about the end of Abraham’s life. Abraham gives gifts to his other sons, but he gives all he has to Isaac. He even sends the other sons away and keeps Isaac close.
Generations of Blessings
Now, his gifts were probably really fantastic gifts. They were desirable and anyone of that time period would certainly want them, but Isaac got the source of the gifts.
He got the presence of his father (for the remainder of Abraham’s life) and he got the reproduction of wealth. Abraham’s land, livestock, and possessions would continue to produce blessings for generations. Instead of a handful of gifts, Isaac had been given the key to keep blessings flowing on and on.
What does Genesis have to do with Blackberries?
This made me think of blackberries. I really like blackberries. In fact, I buy them at the store during the summer and eat them all kinds of ways. Here’s the thing, when someone gives me blackberries or I purchase them at the grocery store, I always run out and have to get more at some point.
If I had a blackberry plant in my backyard, it would certainly require more work, but it would also provide fruit for years and years. In getting the root of the blessing, I would also receive the fruit of the blessing.
Having the Root of the Blessing Takes Work
I would have to work at keeping the plant healthy. I would have to water and feed it. I would have to pick the fruit. I would probably have more than I could eat and would need to give it away, blessing others. The plant would become a part of my life and need care in the different seasons.
Our Relationship with Our Source
Isn’t that the way of our relationship with God? We can come to him with our hand out wanting only His gifts. Or, we can work to cultivate a relationship with Him.
We can spend time in His word, in prayer, attending church, learning and growing. We can share with others what He is doing in our lives. In this second approach, we gain so much more than just the blessings and gifts of God. We get the whole enchilada! The blessings and the source of the blessings.
Draw Close
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
See on that band trip, I got not only a new outfit but the joy of going shopping with my parents and dancing with my dad. I got the blessing of relationship AND the joy of the gift of the outfit. Today, let’s draw close to the source of all blessings and make Him a priority.
Action Step:
Take a moment now and thank God that He wants to be in relationship with you, not just dole out gifts. Praise Him for who He is and what He has already done before asking for what you need at this point in your life. Ask Him what He wants to say to you today and spend a little time in the quiet listening. Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you.
Prayer:
Dear God, We are so grateful that You are so interested in being a part of our lives and not just a Gift-Giver far away in heaven. You love us in a personal and close way. Help us to feel Your presence today and draw near to You throughout the day. Enable us to hear the whisper of Your voice and to follow what You tell us. In Jesus’ name, amen.