From Genesis 27-29
Overview
Gen 27.1-46; Story; Isaac blesses Jacob first, Esau
gets the leftovers
Gen 28.1-5; Story; Isaac continues to bless Jacob,
warns him against taking a foreign wife
Gen 28.6-9; Story; Out of spite Esau takes a
Canaanite for his wife
Gen 28.10-22; Story; God appears to Jacob in a
dream and confirms the Abrahamic promises
Gen 29.1-30; Story; Jacob is deceived by Laban and
serves fourteen years for Leah and Rachel
Gen 29.31-35; Story; Jacob bears children to Leah
even though he prefers Rachel
Passage and comments
The story about the blessings Isaac gave Jacob and
Esau ends with this;
[43] Now therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise, flee to Laban my brother in Haran [44] and stay with him a while, until your brother's fury turns away—[45] until your brother's anger turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send and bring you from there. Why should I be bereft of you both in one day?” (Gen 27:43-45)
Is it really likely Esau would forget such a
definitive moment such as this? Could Rebekah be so presumptuous? So stupid to
think Esau would? Esau as it turns out doesn't forget, neither does Jacob. But
as we will find out Esau forgives. Still Jacob doesn't trust. What a sad story
of sibling rivalry and pain in the Abrahamic line. Are things any different
today?
Story of Jesus
Ephesians 2 reminds us that the cross has broken
the hostility between Jews and Gentiles. To the cross them we should look when
considering reconciliation and peace in and amongst family. Do you have issues
with your family? Brothers? Sisters? Father or Mothers? I don't mean to wipe
them away over night. I want to point us to the cross. The place where the
power for forgiveness and reconciliation is. If people are in pain and
bitterness tonight please turn to the LORD for guidance and comfort. Please
keep looking at Jesus' cross.