Nougat 25

Sometimes we make some choices that immediately cause others to reflect on our family history; as the actions point to others in our lineage. Consider today’s Holy Nougat for example

“Immediately, Abimelech called for Isaac and exclaimed, “She is obviously your wife! Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?” “Because I was afraid someone would kill me to get her from me,” Isaac replied.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭26:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Like father, like son … it is reported that Abraham had also offered his wife to another in a moment (or 2) of self-preservation. And here we see Isaac doing likewise. I agree, there are patterns of behavior that seem to manifest across generations and some may even reference them as Generational Curses. Yet, inasmuch as family patterns have genetic predispositions, and respond to socialization; there is a very distinct argument for the practice of Choice. For, ultimately, that is what determines what we do.

Moreover, there is the matter of faith. As one who was heir to the Abrahamic covenant WITH God; as one who must have grown with the many stories and proofs of God’s Presence, Provision and Protection; why was Isaac afraid? Is it that he had not yet come into his own personal relationship with God (despite his being miraculously saved from death on Mt Moriah)? Could it be that the threat of the human before him seemed more real than God’s not-so-visible strength and support?

And that is a serious challenge for many of us. When faced with what in a moment seems to be a real threat to our lives and livelihoods, we make choices that have little or no connection to the Faith we confess. In many cases, the repercussions of our actions are far reaching, sometimes having negative consequences for others along the way. Isaac’s case resulted in him ‘sacrificing’ Sarah on the basis of his own fear, but ours could be as simple as lying, cheating (in exams perhaps), or even stealing to save our skins. There was an alternative: turning to God.

I agree, that may not be our default mindset. Nevertheless, if we hold to the original premise that behaviors carry genetic predispositions; then it could be that we need to revert to our original predisposition: that of God’s. For there ought to be a ‘recessive carrier gene’ that takes us to the memory of being crafted in God’s likeness – and there is.

God’s Spirit gives us the predisposition to seek God first in every situation, good or bad. Regardless of our family history or our natural tendency. No matter what we were socialized to do. Whether we are the kind to manifest abuse on others when we are under stress or not. Especially when we are in lLife & Death situations. And the joy is, God’s Spirit is always available to us.

Could it be time to tap into our recessive carrier gene and make it the dominant genetic marker (once again)?

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May all we seek be found in Christ