SCRIPTURE: Genesis 27
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” [Genesis 27:41]
As a morality lesson, this story seems to make a hero out of a villain, for we know that Jacob is God’s chosen servant for His purpose [Genesis 25:23], but here he cheats his father and brother.
But the point of this story is not the right or wrong of Jacob or Esau’s actions, but God’s purpose through the twisted ways of human choice and behavior and folly.
If Rebecah and Jacob had trusted the Lord, He would have worked it out that Jacob received the inheritance.
What we see in this passage is how sin distorts the hearts of all people – the heroes and the villains – and the Lord still works out His purpose through them.
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” [Luke 12:13-15]
Here is someone, who like Esau feels cheated by his brother.
The “morality” bone in our body reacts with righteous indignation, calling upon the Lord to do something about it – ‘It’s not fair!’
Yet the Lord does not do this; instead He speaks to the brother about his own sinful heart, and need for mercy and help.
Jesus is not ignoring the sinful heart of the cheating brother, but He is also challenging the vengeful heart of the cheated brother.
Both Jacob and Esau need to have their hearts challenged and rebuked and forgiven.
God’s purpose is not just to deal with other sinners, He sent Jesus to deal with all sinners, the Jacob’s and the Esau’s, the cheaters and the cheated.
Everyone must look within and see the sin that stains their hearts, and seek His help.
You may be like Esau, holding a grudge against someone who cheated or wronged you.
And technically, you may be right, and the Lord will deal those people for their actions.
But He will also deal with you and me for our reactions, how we respond to it.
For all of us have sinful hearts, and all of us need to repent and be forgiven.
In the end, God’s purpose will be accomplished through us or despite us.
In the process, He urges us to be sincere, humble and honest before Him, so that we too can find the forgiveness and help we need.
For me, my concern is my our heart condition before the Lord – no matter what others have done to us, or against us.
PRAYER:
Lord, it is easier to see the faults in others than to admit the faults in me. Remind me to watch out and be on guard for the sin that poisons my own heart.