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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 197

"The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the Lord." Proverbs 19:3

Text: Genesis 27:1-46

TEARS OF DEEP DESPERATION

Esau continued to weep copiously before the father! How could he contemplate living under the control of Jacob? That thought was more than he could bear!

“And Esau said to his father, ‘Have you only one blessing,
my father? Bless me – me also, O my father!’ And Esau
lifted up his voice and wept.”

GENESIS 27:38

There was no thought about reconciliation with each other. There was no consideration of working something out with Jacob! What did Esau really want? What was he looking for when he sought a possible “second blessing” from his father?

1. A way out

Esau was essentially looking for a way out of his predicament. Could Isaac not perhaps mute the impact of his blessing? Could he not give another blessing that would somehow counter Jacob’s power over him?

2. A second chance to make good

Would Esau be able to make it on his own, if he were to strike out on his own? He knew that he could not live under the control of Jacob! It would be too humiliating!


A GLIMMER OF HOPE

Isaac must have searched his heart and mind as he viewed what seemed to be a hopeless situation. He may not be able to give Esau what he desired. But could he not pray for his favourite son at all? Would the Lord not have a blessing for him too? Surely, this great God that he had known all his life had said that He would bless ALL his descendants! Would Esau not qualify then?

“Then Isaac his father and answered and said to him:
‘Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth,
And of the dew of heaven from above.
By your sword you shall live,
And you shall serve your brother;
And it shall come to pass, when you become restless,
That you shall break his yoke from your neck.”

GENESIS 27:39-40

1. A word of encouragement

Esau must not think that he would be totally deprived just because he had not received the firstborn blessing. He would be able to enjoy the blessings that God would pour out on the family.

2. A word of instruction

Esau would have to serve under his brother. However, he would not have to do that forever. In time, he would be strong enough to come out and be his own man!