Grant Abbott Child of Father, Follower of Son, Student of Spirit

The Jewish culture of the day honoured the first born son. He received a double blessing and a double share of the inheritance. Then the other sons received their blessing and share. The oldest son was then responsible to take care of the family and help anyone who was struggling.

In this verse God is prophesying that the oldest son would serve the younger. God decided to choose Jacob as the son who would inherit God’s promises to Abraham. God was showing us his sovereignty in deciding who would receive his blessing. 

It is a mystery why God chose Jacob instead of Esau. But the scripture teaching is clear that God will show mercy on whomever he decides to show mercy. God’s plan and purpose do not always make sense to our finite minds. We do know from the example of scripture that God often chooses the unexpected people to use for his kingdom purposes. I believe he does this to show his power and his mercy. If he chose exceptional human beings they would take credit for their achievements and not give God the glory he deserved.

Jacob is an astounding story in the bible. Lots of chapters dedicated to his life. We see a life captivated by deceit and pride transformed into a humble man of God. It was in the midst of Jacob’s struggle with sin that his 12 sons were born who became the 12 tribes of Israel.

I believe the apostle Paul gives us a great insight into God’s motivation to choose the people that he does in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31:

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not —to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

July 23 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Shirley H Wife, mother, veteran in the spiritual war we all face!

Exodus 33:19,..."I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." The Lord's sovereignty is paramount in His dealings with people.

Romans 9:10-13, "And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even our father Isaac (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), it was said to her, "The older shall serve the younger." As it is written Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated."

Romans 9:16, " So then it is not of him who wills, nor of Him who runs but of God who shows mercy. 17) For as the Scripture says to the Pharaoh,' For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.'"

Romans 19:20, "But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to Him who formed it, 'Why have you made me like this?"

God made provision for Esau, see Genesis 27:39; 36: and Deuteronomy 23:7. God loved Esau just somewhat less. He just had a special plan for Jacob to fulfill. 

God has complete sovereignty. God allowed Moses to question Him. He allowed him to see His Glory to pass by.

God hardened Pharaoh' s heart, Exodus 7:13. God used Pharaoh's sin to demonstrate His power. 

God is sovereign and will achieve His purposes. It's all about God, not about us.

July 23 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report