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In this chapter, we discover that Isaac is old, blind, and nearing the end of his life. Therefore, it is time for him to impart his fatherly blessing, which would traditionally be administered to the eldest son. In this case, that would be Esau. However, at their birth, God had already ordained that “the older shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). As previously noted in a former post, the Lord often chooses to use the younger, lesser, or weaker person to accomplish his purposes. The suspenseful story is thus set: how will God’s prophecy be fulfilled if Isaac is intent on blessing his older son?
Isaac is clearly working in opposition to God as he demonstrates his favoritism toward Esau. Despite Esau regarding his own birthright as no more important than a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34), Isaac still continued to hold Esau in higher regard than Jacob. Why would Isaac show this favoritism? Perhaps it was because of Esau’s strength and courage. Perhaps it was because of his useful, masculine skill at hunting. Perhaps he was simply succumbing to the cultural norms of his day. We can only speculate about his reasoning, but what is clear is that Isaac was not following God’s prophecy.
In contrast, Rebekah greatly understood the importance of receiving birthrights and blessings, both from the patriarch and from God. And she took to heart God’s prophecy about Jacob and Esau’s relationship. But instead of leaving it up to God, she takes matters into her own hands. And she does so by sinning even more! She devises a plan for Jacob to trick his father and obtain the blessing, ultimately fulfilling God’s plan.
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Despite the fact that his purposes were fulfilled, God did not bless their act of deceit; what they did was still sinful because the end does not justify the means when it comes to God’s perfect moral law. Rebekah and Jacob’s plan hurts Isaac and Esau and leads to further family strife (stay tuned for next week’s post!). Blessings have been intertwined with hurt feelings, guilt, and broken relationships, all of which could have been avoided if Isaac had been willing to follow the Lord even when it came to his children.
Based on this story, we can ask ourselves several reflective questions. Can you think of an example in your life when your unwillingness to follow the Lord in one area has led to many bad decisions, sin, and hurt? How has that experience shaped you, and how will it affect your decision-making in the future when God calls you to something? Are there times in your life when you’ve allowed sin to creep in because you felt that the ends justified the means? Have these choices led to any broken relationships in your life for which you need to seek restoration?
In the end, Isaac finally recognizes the primacy and irrevocability of God’s blessings and will, as he tells Esau that “Yes, and he [Jacob] shall be blessed.” Like Isaac, if you entered into a situation where sin has led to more sin, submit to the will of the Lord and allow him to restore your soul. And remember that, just as he has done with Isaac’s family, God will work all things together to fulfill his plans - even your sinful decisions.
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Text By: Catalina Kreider
Photo from:
https://truththumper.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/jacob-deceives-isaac.jpg
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