Not only did Jacob cheat Esau out of the birthright, but Jacob has just usurped the blessing from his older brother with a little help from his mother. Genesis 27:36. And his mother plots to send Jacob to her brother, Laban. Rebekah will never see Jacob again. Although Isaac believes he is nearing death, he goes on to live 43 more years to the age of 180, according to Martin Luther. And all three in the love triangle must live with what they have done and the repercussions. The most severe response comes from Esau who wants the blessing back. He responds with the intent of murder. This is one messed up family. And this is the lineage that Christ chooses to make his own, from the families of Jacob.
I see and hear myself, bits and pieces, weaved into the story. I want the best for my life, for my children. Even this day. Will I be driven to dependence on the Providential Hand of God on my life?
COME BOLDLY: Timeless Prayers
Father, You look down on our lives from Above and see all of the past, present, and future. May we know with more than just our thoughts that Your Hand is on each of our lives. Help us to lift our hands off the plans---open hands. Help us to remove ourselves from the center---open hearts. As the slave looks to his master, may our Eyes be on You. Psalm 123:2.
PHOTO: Walking the beaches of Santa Rosa Island praying Psalm 123:2 --- recanting and relenting and listening and lifting eyes to the heavens for help. I must live knocking on that Door, no other.
God has a plan for us. I wonder over the years how many times I have stepped in and added to, changed completely, and interfered in any way with His plans for me and my family. Lord forgive me.
ReplyDeleteFavorites, and sabotage, and self-promotion all get in the way. God knew their hearts and foretold that Jacob would indeed inherit the first-born blessing. And Esau's response of desperation, finally realizing the value of his father's blessing still gets me choked up. Have you not one blessing for me? Such pain. Such sin. Such a mess.
ReplyDeleteI have jumped in far too many times without a single prayer to God to ask which way to go. I have missed blessings because of my careless self-serving comfort-seeking. I have wanted success for my children in worldly terms. I have sinned and I have missed a greater course that He had for my life.
This beautiful Bible is like a mirror that exposes the not-so-pretty side of my heart. And it calls me to return again and again, to seek the better Way.
I totally agree, ladies. I am learning to step back, God has such a better way. I was thinking how often I do this to my husband, becoming impatient, ordering him around and he has such a good mind, a gentle heart and kind spirit. Yet, I become like Rebekah, trying to get him to do my will. I have so many regrets, and I go back to the Father every day, He so abundantly showers grace upon me.
ReplyDeleteI am learning self-control, patience, humility, and they all come with great difficulty to me. I have to admit, I have far to go.
I probably have further!
ReplyDelete