Hint: When you reach the genealogy section, don’t pronounce the names in your head. That way you will read the important parts without feeling overwhelmed by the Hebrew names.
Thought to Guide Your Reading
God chooses one over another. Why he does this is … not up for discussion.
Summary in 100 Words or Less
Abraham died at 175 years-old. Ishmael and Isaac buried him at Machpelah. However, their families did not get along.God told Rebekah that her twin sons would become two great nations and the older (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob). Esau had red hair all over his body and enjoyed hunting. Jacob enjoyed tents. Each parent chose a favorite. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal.
Isaac inherits Abraham's covenant. Abimelech, once deceived by Isaac and Rebekah, wanted to make peace between them. When asked why he wanted peace replied, "Because I know God has blessed you."
How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right
Abraham's new sons were not equal to Isaac.
Once again the American inside me questions God's sense of justice in all of this. Why does God choose Isaac and all of Abraham's sons from Keturah and his concubines only receive gifts?God chose Jacob and not Esau.
American Graham cries, "Why, God! This isn't fair!" Why did God choose Jacob and not Esau?Jacob is a deceiver.
Jacob's name means deceiver. Why did God choose a deceiver and not the manly-man Esau?Isaac is no better than his father at focusing on God's promise.
Isaac and Rebekah tricked Abimelech the same way Abraham tricked Abimelech. Isaac falls for the same line of reasoning—they'll kill me if they know she's my wife. Even godly men, God's chosen men, can lose focus on God's promises and focus on their own fears.God blessed Isaac so much that the people wanted to be associated with them.
Abimelech, even after Isaac tricked him, wanted a relationship with Isaac. They could see God was with Isaac. When we serve God, others can see.God's choice in who he blesses and not blesses is not for our discussion.
God's ways are not our ways. God's thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:6-11). As much as I, American Graham, want to ignore it, I cannot second-guess God's choice. Paul would echo this sentiment (using this example) in Romans 9. Take the choice of Jacob over Esau. Esau, manly man, married Judith and Basemath. They became thorns in Isaac's and Rebekah's sides (see yesterday's comments to see why this was a major problem). God chooses based on a person's heart that others cannot see and we must trust that God is just. This is why he chose Jacob over Esau.What did you see reading this passage? Questions? Comments? Leave a comment in the section below or on the Sonoma Mountain Parkway Church of Christ Facebook page.
If you missed a reading or want to go to a specific date, type the link as follows: http://grahambates.blogspot.com/2013/mm/dd.html That will take you to the reading for that day. Enjoy!
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