Reading for January 8, 9
Today's reading was pretty short, so I read ahead and will combine my thoughts on both readings in this post. (For those following along in your regular Bibles, Saturday's reading will be Genesis 26:27-28:5). So, there will not be a post on Sunday morning. It seems that there are about 50 people who are going back through the blog in 2011, so I will proof and then re-post each blog so that they are easier to access.
Isaac and Rebekah now have twin boys, Jacob and Esau. Another set of brothers, like ishmael and Isaac, where the older is prophesied to serve the younger. In this instance, it is not their parentage that differentiates the two, so why does God choose Jacob over Esau? Since God is all-knowing and looks at the heart, He was able to see the type of man Esau would become. Esau's fatal flaw was that he treated the things of God with indifference...even contempt. He sold his birthright, which entitled him to a double portion of the inheritance and the coveted ranking as patriarch of his father's household, for a bowl of stew. He was impulsive, short-sighted, and completely driven by the desires of the flesh. But was Jacob any better? He took advantage of his brother's weakness. Later, he blatantly tricks his father into bestowing upon him the blessing he had intended for Esau. Was he, like Abraham, trying to "help" God fulfill the promise he had made to Rebekah? Maybe, but that still doesn't excuse it. I couldn't find a good answer for why God would favor either of these "undeserving" men over the other. But that's the beauty of being God. He is completely sovereign and can exert His right to choose such things. Jacob was the one he wanted to become the father of the Israelites. God sees a big picture that we can't and we must always bear that in mind. In the first chapter of the reading on January 10th, we learn that Esau marries one of Ishmael's daughters. Again, Ishmael is the root of the Islamic religion, which stands in direct opposition to Christianity today. God knows what he is doing!
And then there is the crazy story of Isaac deceiving Abimilech (same guy!!!) in the same manner his father had. Odds are strong that Abraham had shared his methodology with his son and the apple did not fall far from the tree. But God uses this foible for good. Abimilech had already been tested in this way and God knew how he would respond. Remember that he sent Abraham and Sarah away with gifts of livestock and servants, 1000 pieces of silver, and the claim to any piece of land he desired in the territory. Abimilech was desperate to wash his hands of any wrong-doing. When faced with the same predicament with Isaac and Rebekah, he issues a proclamation to the people in the land, saying "anyone who touches this man or his wife will be put to death." This protection, gained by Isaac's deception, preserved the lineage of Christ! We read that the Philistines do become jealous of Isaac because of his success and begin to act on their anger by filling up his wells. But they did not harm a hair on his head! This is not an endorsement for lying, but an illustration of how God "works everything together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purposes" (Rom.8:28)...even our sins and shortcomings.
Sunday's reading: Genesis 28:6-30:24
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Melissa, I also thought that it was interesting he did exactly what his father did, and the non christian leaders realized God would punish them if they did wrong. This story is sad in the fact that you see parents favoring one child over another, but you are right - in spite of all of this God blessed them and chose Jacob over Esau. I think it gives us hope though that God can chose us who are so imperfect, to do great works for Him. Thanks again for posting. Love to read it each day.
ReplyDeleteAs I read about Esau selling his birthright to satisfy his hunger, it brought to mind my late father's advice in regard parenting: "Play it for the long-term." That applies to so much in life; how often we get into trouble when we let the "now" desires and urges triumph. And thank You, Lord, for my daddy and his wisdom. :)
ReplyDeleteAs I read this, I thought "Why was there so many problems with the wells?" Here is what I found when I did some research
ReplyDeleteThe Philistines became more aggressive. They began to claim his
wells as their own. Isaac's servants dug a fresh well in the valley of
Gerar. But the Philistine herdsmen quarrelled with Isaac's herdsmen and
said, "The water is ours!" So Isaac named the well "dispute" and he
moved on and dug another. We don't know how many times this happened,
but evidently it became a way of life for Isaac. How hard it must have
been for him to stay in the land of the Philistines, and continually
give in to their harassment! But God had told him to stay, so he
stayed--and kept digging wells. God kept his promise. He was with Isaac
and he blessed him.
We don't like to give in or to see a man give in like Isaac did. He
seems to be a wimp. We would rather see a man fight and win. But
Isaac's way resembles Jesus' way. He trusted in God's blessing, so God
blessed him. Isaac was fighting a spiritual battle.
Melissa.... WOW this is so much easier... thank you for reposting and THANK YOU for going on this journey again. Count my husband, Mike and I in for the long haul. Now that he has his own NLTCB I only have to read your post out loud. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Nancy