Suggested Bible Reading: Genesis 27-29
Devotional Thought:
Philosopher George Santayana called the human family “one of nature’s masterpieces.” If the human family is truly a masterpiece, then unfortunately many of these masterpieces have become nothing more than mere crumbled pieces because they forgot their Creator and His design for the family. Genesis 27 describes such a crumbled family. Isaac and Rebekah had all the marks of having a successful family. After all, Isaac was a dedicated man who had put himself on the altar in obedience to the Lord (Gen. 22; Rom. 12:1-2). He trusted God to choose his wife for him (Gen. 24); and the wife God sent, Isaac loved (vs. 67). Both Isaac and Rebekah knew how to pray and seek the mind of the Lord for their home (25:19-23). One might ask, “What more could a married couple want?” However, in spite of these past victories, the family self-destructed rather quickly. As we look at the scenes in this tragedy, let’s study each of the family members and see what they contributed to the problem or to the answer. First, The Deterioration of Isaac. (vs. 1-4) Isaac became selfish, slack, and sympathetic. Isaac knew that God has already chosen Jacob for the blessing, but he allowed Esau to think that the blessing would indeed come to him. Esau had disqualified himself by selling his birthright and marrying heathen women. Secondly, The Dishonesty of Rebekah. (vs. 5-17) Rebekah’s dishonesty clearly violated God’s model, mission, and ministry of the home. God’s ultimate design for the home is that each member would love God, serve God, and glorify God with their actions, attitudes, and the atmosphere’s they create. Thirdly, The Deception of Jacob. (vs. 18-29) Jacob lied about his name, nourishment, and nature. His very name embodied the lack of character that led to his reputation as a liar. Fourthly, The Determination of Esau. (vs. 30-46; Hebrews 12:16-17) Esau wanted to be blessed without being blessable. It is a sad thing about our culture that people want the product without being willing to follow the process. Esau whined bitterly rather than being willing to weep bitterly. The difference between Esau and Peter is the response to falling prey to sinful temptation. Isaac’s “blessing” put Esau “away from” the blessings of land and sky that had been given to Jacob. Instead of ruling, Esau would live by his sword. The Edomites who descended from Esau (Edom) built their nation at Mount Seir (36:5-8) at the southern end of the Dead Sea, and were constant enemies of the Jews. As we have learned in our Wednesday evening studies, during David’s reign, the Edomites were subject to Israel, but when Joram became king of Judah, the Edomites rebelled and won back their freedom (2 Kings 8). It would be so wonderful if we would just learn to obey God and do things His way.
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me to follow your plan in the family you have so graciously given to me. Help me to be convinced that there is no improving upon your marvelous plan.
• Lord, please help me to have discernment regarding the lies of our society. May I always be convinced of the danger and destruction caused by selfishness.
• Lord, thank you for your grace that gives to us the capacity to love you and serve you with our whole heart.