The Lord is awe-inspiring, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him in Genesis 27:32-35,
“His father Isaac asked him, ‘Who are you?’ ‘I am your son,’ he answered, ‘your firstborn, Esau.’ Isaac trembled violently and said, ‘Who was it, then, that hunted game and brought it to me? I ate it just before you came and I blessed him—and indeed he will be blessed!’ When Esau heard his father's words, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, ‘Bless me—me too, my father!’ But he said, ‘Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.’”
Back in Isaac’s day a blessing was not what it is today. Today, blessings are pleasantries that folks exchange amongst themselves. The blessing Isaac gave Jacob would affect the remainder of his life. Esau, not receiving this blessing, would have his life impacted as well, as evidenced by his reaction upon learning his brother had taken it deceitfully, “he burst out with a loud and bitter cry”. Esau would not be blessed with the riches his brother Jacob would have nor would the other promises God made to Abraham come his way.
Here is an account suitable for a Christian college ethics class. Rebekah and Jacob conspired together to steal Esau’s blessing from Isaac. Isaac’s blessing for Esau that goes to Jacob by trickery is none other than the blessings and promises that God gave Abraham and that are to be passed down from one generation to the next. They are of huge importance as they bring untold wealth, land, descendants and a blessing to all nations (Jesus Christ). Rebekah and Jacob engage in lying, deceit and trickery to thwart Isaac’s decision and intention. Pretty straightforward as to who did not act appropriately, right? It turns out that the blessing Isaac wanted to give Esau, the firstborn – the one who would normally receive it per customary convention – was to be Jacob’s at God’s wish. Earlier, in Genesis 25:23 God made his wishes known that “the older will serve the younger”, as Paul quoted Malachi 1:2-3, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." Romans 9:13. Were Rebekah and Jacob acting appropriately by doing what it took to bring about God’s desire? Was Isaac such a victim if his intent was contrary to what God desired to see happen? Great questions and as I say, suitable for a Christian college ethics class. I’m sure there are good answers but I don’t happen to have them here with me this morning. I need to spend more time studying the issues.
One thing I do not need to study up on is that God’s will is never thwarted. In spite of all the questions that can be asked about these events, who acted appropriately, who didn’t, etc. is this: God’s will always takes place. It makes no difference how any of us acts or what we attempt to accomplish, God’s will reigns supreme! Even when evil takes place in the world, as say when 9/11 hit – God’s will is sustained as he has determined people will be free to exercise their own free will (which will of course carry with it the consequences earned). As the Lord reveals himself in Isaiah 55:10-11, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share your theme of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We’d love to hear from you!
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