Life rarely takes us in a straight line, it is filled with twists and turns with a few curves and some rollercoaster adventures for good measure, and Genesis 27 does not disappoint. I encourage you to read the chapter in its entirety. We meet Isaac speaking to his eldest son, Esau, asking him to do this one last thing before he dies so that he can bless him. Verses 3-4 state, "Now, therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow and go out to the field and hunt game for me. And make me savory food such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die." This request sounds innocent enough; the firstborn should be the one that would receive the blessing, right? Until you realize that God had already spoken in Genesis 25:23 states, "And the Lord said to her: Two nations are in your womb two people shall be separated from your body, one shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger." Interestingly it seems that Isaac is doing the exact opposite. How will this play out?
Now Rebekah, Isaac's wife and the children's mother knowing what God said, seemingly tries to outwit her husband with a plan of her own. Having Jacob, the youngest, dress up like Esau, the oldest see verses 5-29. Both parents allowed their plan to take precedence over the word of God. Their actions resulted in Esau's anger against his brother and Jacob leaving home. God's word does not change. It does not compromise based on what we want or believe. I am reminded of 1st Samuel 13, Saul made a decision based on selfish human desires, and in verses 13-14, we read, "And Samuel said to Saul, you have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now, your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you." I understand the all too human feelings of uncertainty, and I know what it's like to cry in the midnight hour and wonder when it will be your turn. Let me encourage you today, with Hebrews 13:5-6 "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you so we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
Remember, God's love is uncompromising.