Day Six: Isaac – Trusting God for the Future
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 11:20; Genesis 27:1-45
Introduction: Jacob and Esau had a very troubled relationship from the womb. Esau did no better with his parents, Isaac and Rebekah. When it came time for Isaacto bestow his blessing on his two sons, Rebekah helped Jacob deceive Isaac into granting the blessing of the firstborn on Jacob, rather than the actual firstborn, Esau. Judging from what we read about Esau in the book of Genesis, he did not deserve the birthright of the firstborn, anyway. He despised the honor and responsibility associated with the status of being the firstborn. He valued his birthright so little that he traded it to Jacob for a meal (Genesis 25:27-34), and he deliberately sought to disrespect his parents and cause them pain (Genesis 26:34-35; 28:6-9). The blessing that Isaac ended up bestowing on his two sons in reverse order was indeed prophetic (Genesis 27:28-29). Jacob would be blessed by God in many ways. Not only did he become wealthy, his sons became the twelve tribes of Israel, and other peoples did end up serving the nation of Israel. As for Esau, his descendants (also, called Edom) would eventually serve the nation of Israel, too (1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Samuel 8:14).
Application: At times, we think we have made a total mess of things. Despite all our effort, our plans fall through. Sometimes things are going so badly we think there is no hope. The unfolding drama of the relationship of Jacob and Esau with their parents appeared to be catastrophic, too. Yet, all along, God was in the background making sure things turned out exactly the way they needed to. Humanly speaking, Esau should have received the birthright of the firstborn, but God made sure he didn’t. Jacob accepted this reversal and trusted that God was still in control. God is way ahead of us. When He throws a wrench into our plans, it doesn’t mean we’re off script. It may even mean we’re finally headed in the right direction.
Prayer: Dear Lord, sometimes I act like everything depends on me. Sometimes, I believe everything depends on me. Please forgive me for my lack of trust in Your sovereign power. Grant me more faith to believe that You are in complete control even when it doesn’t appear that way, and grant me the peace of such faith so that I may live each day with confidence, trusting You. Amen.