January 8, 2008
Genesis 26 - 27
The stolen blessing (Gen. 27). Rebekah, and Jacob her son, plotted to deceive Isaac and get the blessing for Jacob that Isaac wanted to go to his oldest son, Esau. Disguised to fool the now-blind Isaac, Jacob stood before his father and lied, “I am Esau your firstborn” (v. 19).
How completely unnecessary! At the brothers’ births God had told Rebekah that the older would serve the younger (25:23). Yet as the critical time drew closer and closer, mother and son felt impelled to “help God out.”
What was the result? Jacob did receive the blessing—which he would have received anyway. Bitterness was heightened between the brothers, and Esau’s hatred became so intense that he planned to kill Jacob after their father died. Rebekah, who had plotted to help her favorite son, was forced to send him away for 20 years, and did not live to see him return.
True, it worked out in the end. But the anger, the fear, the separation—all these might have been avoided had Jacob and Rebekah simply trusted God and rejected deceit.
Genesis 28
Jacob at Bethel (Gen. 28:10-15). Afraid that his brother would kill him, Jacob fled to his mother’s relatives in Haran. On the way, alone and at night, he lay down in the dirt with only a stone for a pillow. How Jacob must have missed his family then. How alone and frightened he must have felt. But there God appeared to him, and confirmed the transmission of the covenant promises. And God added a personal word for Jacob: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.”
Reflection
You don’t have to take Jacob’s road to blessing. Instead, you can trust God and commit yourself to do the right thing at all times. Truth, not lies, will serve you far better. God’s will still will be done, and you’ll be able to live in harmony with those around you.
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