If you have time read over Genesis 25
through 33. In the start of 25 the sibling rivalry is just beginning, however
by 27 it is at it's best.
In chapter 27 Jacob steals Esau's
birthright and Esau is distraught. After that the brothers basically separate
and their animosity for one another is part of their lives, but placed on
the back burner for a time. Esau went about his life, marrying more women that
would be and cause grief to his parents. Jacob went to Paddan Aram- the home of
his mother's family to find a wife. For 20 years Jacob worked for Laban- father
of Rachel and Leah. After 20 years of attempting to earn the man's daughters
Jacob finally decided he'd had enough. The Lord instructed him to return to his
father's people. So he was going home. i wonder if he realized right away this
meant he would likely run into his brother. Do you think he was worried or
scared.
What would you do to your brother?
Would you harbor animosity for years and years, would you create a wild and
outlandish plan to get even with him, or would you move on with your life and
make the most of what you were dealt?
You know God told Jacob's mom
(Rebekah) "two nations are in
your womb, and two peoples from w/in you will be separated; one people will be
stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger."
Did you know that it was Rebekah's
idea for Jacob to steal Esau's birthright? God had promised her. I mean the
Lord spoke to her and told her Jacob would be stronger than Esau and also that
Esau would serve his brother. She heard the Lord say this and she still plotted
and planned to ensure that Jacob was the most powerful brother with his
father's blessing. No, she was not deaf! I already checked! How could she do
that? She heard from God and she still acted like a silly human.
We as humans are so like Rebekah.
We hear from God, the Bible tells us exactly how we are supposed to live each
day, yet we still offer God our own human take on His rules, His expectations,
and His plan for us. Why is that? Why can't we just trust the Father to work
His plans His way?
I think it is because if we just
"trust" we are letting go. We are giving up the
"white-knuckle" grip we have on our lives and letting someone else
have the wheel. I think it is time to see what God might do with my life if I
give Him control.
How bout you?
