Introduction

 “Opening the Old Wells”…

This phrase is taken from the book of Genesis (Chapter 26). Somehow, this passage has always been quite special to me and has motivated our desire to share these ancient teachings with those whom God has brought into our (Kh. Dannie and me) life and ministry.

Abraham had died and his son, Isaac, was floundering in his life. He had a family to raise and there was a severe famine in the land. He even went to King Abimelech of the Philistines for help. He then considered fleeing to Egypt. Which way to go? What to do?

Then God intervened and prevented that mistake …. “Dwell in this land and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.”

Isaac obeyed God and did prosper. But the Philistines became jealous and envied his success, so the king drove Isaac and his family away from there where they settled in the desert valley of Gerar. In desperate need of water, Isaac recalled that his father had dug wells in this area while sojourning here in years past. However, after Abraham’s death, the Philistines had covered them over.

Although we are not told here, one may wonder if the young Isaac helped his father dig those wells and had some recollection of their whereabouts. (What a lesson for parents to instill godly things in their children while they are very young.)

“And Isaac dug again the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father.”  Even though the work was not finished without a struggle and a journey ensued (vss. 19-22), Isaac persisted and they found their place at Rehobeth (“God has made a place for us”). It must have been a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving for everyone when Isaac stood and said, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” (26:22).

With that said, and relying on God’s help, we will endeavor to go about “Opening the Old Wells”.  We will travel together through the Old Testament lands and times, reflect upon New Testament teachings and probably share some random musings along the way as well.

For those of you who know me and have agonized under the lengthy teachings over the years, I do not know just how long these offerings will continue. I will attempt to size the various segments in a manner that will be adequate but not burdensome.

Grace and peace be with you.

Fr. Andrew and Kh. Dannie