Year of the Bible: Part Two of Twelve Primjer

Tricky Twins.

Abraham and Sarah's son, Isaac, had twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Jacob is the younger of the two, but even before they were born, God had told their mother, Rebekah, "the older shall serve the younger." This declaration from God stays with Rebekah, and she loves Jacob more than Esau. Isaac's favorite is Esau because he loves the outdoors and the meals Esau prepares for him. As the boys grow up, Esau despises his birthright, and Jacob angles to get the birthright transferred to himself. This is sibling rivalry of epic proportions. Jacob manipulates Esau when Esau is hungry and gets him to sell his birthright for a bowl of stew.

Eventually, Jacob tricks Isaac into blessing him instead of blessing Esau. As you can imagine, Esau gets angry and vows to destroy Jacob. The crazy thing is that the declaration of the blessing over Jacob accomplished what God said would happen while they were still in the womb! God's plan prevailed, but Jacob was pretty evil in acquiring the birthright and blessing. He certainly had some maturing to do!

Question: Take time to read through the story of Jacob and Esau and ask God where you live the most. Do you despise a birthright that is rightfully yours? Do you act deceitfully to get what you think God has for you?

Prayer Focus: We cannot undo God's plans, but we can make a mess of family life and relationships even when we are "doing what God wants." Ask Him how you can honor Him and pursue His plans diligently while maintaining a heart of dependence on God's strength.