Jacob Deceives Isaac

Bethel Mennonite Church - Gladys VA

Genesis 27 begins with Isaac who is sure he is dying, although he did live for 50 more years. But he was feeble and blind. Isaac decided that now was the time to give his blessing to his favorite son Esau. He called Esau to him and gave him instructions to bring him savory food. But Rebekah overheard this and wanted Jacob to get the blessing. So Rebekah had a plan and Jacob and her carried it out. Jacob deceived and lied to his father. Rebekah deceived her husband.

Isaac and Rebekah each had a favorite son. There was dishonesty and a lack of communication between them. Isaac did not tell Rebekah his plan. Neither did Rebekah tell Isaac how she felt about his decision.

Communication is very important in a marriage. Communication between couples often involves husbands and wives telling each other what they already planned to do rather than having a discussion so they can plan together. Bad communication is a symptom of a bad relationship – it is not the cause of it. Both husbands and wives also need love and respect from each other. They need to be honest with each other about their concerns and feelings.

Some short term consequences of Jacob’s actions:

• His brother Esau hated him
• He had to flee his home
• He had literally nothing to take with him.
• He said goodbye to his mother and never saw her again. Rebekah had told him to go to her brother Laban and stay for a few days until Esau’s fury had lessened. But the few days turned into 20 years and she had died before he moved back to Canaan.

God was planning to bless Jacob and his descendants in a mighty way. Jacob’s deception did not change that fact. Esau’s blessing would have been the same even if he would have received it first. God looked at Jacob and saw the potential there.

God wants repentance for sin. God blessed Jacob in spite of his flaws not because of them. When God looks at us He sees what we can be, not what we are.
Satan loves to drive wedges in families. We need to focus on healing differences and communicating better. We can not stand on the premise that we are right and the people we live with are wrong. God is always faithful, every single time.

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