Jacob - Pt. 1

 

These are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham fathered Isaac, and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife. And Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. The children struggled together within her, and she said, “If it is thus, why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the LORD. And the LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.” When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob. (Genesis 25:19-26 ESV).

 

While I am writing this several days before it is published, I hope it will prove to be a useful insight into the wonderful mystery of God’s will and purpose in our lives. We will explore the life of Jacob. Our reading today is the beginning of his story. Even prior to his birth, sibling rivalry was evidenced. As a parent of three sons, I have seen my share of sibling rivalry. Thankfully, my children’s struggles have always been minor misunderstandings between kids who mostly love each other. But, as a pastor, I know that family conflict is a source of stress and deep pain for many people. This was the case between Jacob and his brother Esau. We see Jacob was born “grasping Esau’s heel.” His very name describes his tendency to nip at the heels of his brother.

 

But as we will see, Jacob’s relationship with Esau reflects his struggle with God as well. Though he might think his biggest struggle is with his brother, Jacob will eventually learn how much he “grasps at the heels” of whatever he thinks will bring him some advantage. Jacob spends a lot of time chasing God’s favor rather than simply receiving God’s mercy and blessing. We have much to learn from Jacob. Even when family relationships are healthy, we find ourselves jostled by the struggles of life. We tend to “grasp at the heels” of whatever we believe will fulfill us.

 

For this reason we need to ask Rebekah’s question: “Why is this happening . . . ?” And we need to listen for God’s invitation to see him at work, changing our hearts to receive his gift of mercy in Christ.