Esau’s loss became Jacob’s gain. It was obtained through leveraging an appetite. What an inglorious exchange. Will the shady decisions and propositions continue? Will the grandsons of the faithful Abraham come to their senses and realize their heritage? Will they walk in faith and seek the face of God?
Yes…well, one will…at some point in time. But for now, the canvas of God’s biblical storyline reveals more awkward and deplorable scenes–this time it is one of deceit.
By now, Jacob and Esau’s father, Isaac, has reached old age and his eyes are beginning to fail. He’s ready to pass on the blessing of God that he received from his father, Abraham to his oldest son. For all practical purposes he wants to pass this blessing (administration of God’s rule) along to Esau; however, he’s failing to remember a prophecy given to his wife, Rebekah, that the older will serve the younger. Rebekah, nevertheless doesn’t forget, and assumes the posture of Sarah by inserting herself into the plan of God. She devises a man-plan to “aid” God in the fulfillment of His purposes. Jacob was to rule Esau, as God had promised, but their initiative to bring this about was laced with deception. Is this hard to imagine? How would God allow deception to bring about His purposes? Answer…while all things are not good, all things are ultimately used for good. We will soon see on the canvas of God’s biblical storyline that what others mean for evil, God will use for good. Incredible.
And so, Jacob’s mom and Jacob concoct a plan to deceive Isaac in order to bring about the blessing and promise to the younger son. It succeeds and the consequences are immediate…four observations:
- “Isaac trembled violently…Genesis 27:33” The aged Isaac is subjected to: living and dying with a knowledge that he was a victim of planned deceit, and/or knowing that he had resisted the will of God (knowing that the promise was already made to Rebekah that the older shall serve the younger)
- “By your sword you [Esau] shall live…Genesis 27:40” Esau is subjected to a violent existence at odds with others and even his own brother
- “So Esau bore a grudge against Jacob…[and] is…planning to kill you…Genesis 27:41,42″ A familial relationship is subjected to enmity and mediated murder–between grandsons of the faithful Abraham
- “…flee to Haran…Genesis 27:43” A family is subjected to separation as Jacob is instructed by Rebekah to escape
What are some takeaways from this biblical story?
- It appears that a rebellious humanity can subvert God’s plan…but as we will see God will ultimately be honored in using not good things to work for good
- Have you seen this in your life? Bad decisions that led to bad consequences that ultimately led to God using those circumstances for good. Maybe you’re still waiting for some to turn out for good, but at some point they will, as they always do.
- There are immediate collateral consequences experienced across multiple parties because of one party’s actions
- Have you seen in your life that your sinful actions reached much further than you ever imagined? Can your sinful actions (deceit, selfishness, etc.) spread to others? Don’t we often think that sin in the dark–alone–won’t affect others? But, it never fails that light comes and exposes our “alone” actions, and the damage reaches beyond our little circle.
- The consequences of sin creates fear, regret, violence, hatred, and enmity
- Have you experienced the painful actions of sin directed toward you? Imagine that it’s a really big sinful action–like someone breaking in to your house and taking your most precious possession, etc. Assuming you act out of impulse: are you in those moments after the invasion going to be forgiving and kind? Or are you going to seek revenge and retribution? If we’re living like the world, then we’ll be certain to find a way to avenge ourselves. It’s human nature–history reveals this plainly.
- The ultimate impact of sin is separation
- Have you ever felt the sting of separation because of your own sin or sin that impacted you? Have you ever run away to avoid your sinful decisions or actions? Have you ever had others run away from you? If so, at some level, you can relate to Jacob and Esau.
The bottom line…man’s rebellious heart is once again exposed, and the scene on the canvas is a nasty black and white picture. Relationships are distorted because of sin, separation is a ramification, but all is nevertheless not lost. God will redeem those human’s actions–as He faithfully does–and we will soon see again Why Christ Had to Die…
Application question: Are you living with unconfessed sin? Confess your sin to God and the affected party(s). Find the healing, joy, and peace that comes through a life of reconciled relationships. God has made you to see others as He sees them, and to even suffer if necessary as you seek to bring restoration in ALL of your relationships–just as He has done for and to you. If God looked beyond your past and brought you to Himself, how can you not do the same with others?
— September 15, 2016