January 9 - Genesis 25:27-28:5

Good morning everyone,

Abraham’s son, Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah. Sadly she was unable to have children so Isaac pleaded with the Lord on her behalf and finally after twenty years the Lord answered Isaac’s prayers and Rebekah gave birth to twins. The Lord told her that her two sons will become two nations and from the very beginning they would be rivals. One nation would be stronger than the other, the older son serving the younger.

Esau was the first child to come out, he was born covered with hair like a fully grown person. The second child wasn’t far behind Esau, in fact holding on to his brother’s heel, they named him Jacob. The boys were as different as night and day. Jacob spent all his time at home, he enjoyed studying with his father and grandfather Abraham. Esau, however, resorted to countless tricks to avoid studying, and spent most of his time in the fields. He enjoyed hunting and killing, and was often absent from his home for many days.

One day, Esau returned from an unsuccessful hunting trip and was totally hungry. He saw that Jacob had been cooking food and he asked for a serving. Jacob asked him if he would be willing to sell his rights as the first-born son in exchange for a bowl of food. Esau agreed. Regardless of whether Esau was being serious or flippant in selling off his birthright, Jacob sought to make good on the deal and, with his mother's help, tricked his aging father into giving Jacob the blessing that traditionally would been reserved for the first-born. After Jacob had gotten the blessing from his father, Esau vowed to kill Jacob. To protect Jacob, his mother arranged for him to live with her relatives in Haran. 

Ahhhh, again we see that things were not all that different in antiquity as they are today. Dysfunctional families, parents playing favorites, siblings trying to "one up" the other one.  Both brothers did things that they shouldn't have, and made bad choices that they couldn't change.  What this teaches us is that we must carefully consider the choices we make in life. Instant gratification may cause you a lifetime misery or regret. Right? Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” But what I also see here is that we should be content in where God has us in life. 

In Philippians Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

All of this is to say: Trust God! God loves you. He is a good God who only does good things. Be content knowing that His way is perfect, and He brings with Him a great reward for those who wait on and trust in Him. Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.
God bless you all …..