Read Genesis 27 – See the providence of God. You’ll need this lens for Chapter 27 or things will be confusing.
God told Rebekah in Chapter 25:23 exactly how things would turn out for the twins she was carrying… ‘and the older shall serve the younger’. Of course God did not need lies, deception and favoritism to accomplish His will, but when dealing with mere humans, like us, free-will is a factor He must contend with.
Beloved, this is somewhat good news for us. You and I are bound to make less-than-godly choices over the course of our lives due to our sin nature. (Paul captures the battle well in Romans 7:15-17) God’s providence will still prevail. And what God desires from us is a repentant heart.
Let’s look ahead; do we see a repentant heart in Esau? “From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing. And Esau began to scheme, ‘I will soon be mourning my father’s death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob.’ “ :41
No, Esau comforted himself with murder fantasies, not godly sorrow. God has foreknowledge of each person’s heart. Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew (25:32-33); he was a godless man who was controlled by his flesh, he was not a man God would establish Israel through.
And now, Jacob… his behavior is hardly admirable, and the LORD will have a lot of refining for him before he is useful and able to grow into the blessing Isaac pronounced over him. But, God knew Jacob’s heart and that His purpose would be fulfilled through Jacob.
Beloved, we are a messy bunch and Jesus knows that. He died for us while we were still sinners! (Romans 5:8) May each of us be quick to give thanks for our trials and the good things our LORD is accomplishing in and through us. (See James 1 for more on this.)
Judy in the Sky 