I hear about pastors who fall into immorality and I always think, “what could have happened?” I am tempted to think that could never happen to me. Paul warns us that we are never to think “not me,” because we too are susceptible. Given the right circumstances anyone could fall. I once read that if we were given the right circumstances most people would have obeyed Hitler.
When famine struck the land where Isaac dwelt he took off for Egypt, just like his father had done. It is always been Israel’s practice to go to Egypt when things got tough in the land. Abraham did it. The whole nation will do it, and here Isaac did it. Egypt was the place to run when a famine struck.
In chapter 26, Isaac stops in Gerar, just like his father did, on his way to Egypt. There he encounters the Philistines and in the same situation as his father Abraham, he tells the Philistines that Rebekah is his sister rather than his wife to protect his life. His father had done the same thing.
Paul’s advice to the Galatians is good for us all. He writes in Chapter 6, verse 1, “if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Indeed, it could happen to anyone.