Genesis 27

Scripture:  Genesis 27:1-29

Observation:  Isaac is old, blind, and he knows his days are numbered.  He calls his eldest son Esau and asks that he hunt some game, prepare a delicious meal, and bring it back so that Isaac can give him his blessing.  Rebekah heard the conversation, and called her son Jacob.  She tells Jacob to bring in a couple of baby goats so that she can prepare the meal, and Jacob can pretend to be his brother Esau and get his blessing.  Jacob hesitates; he realizes his father will notice the difference between his hairy brother and himself and curse him instead.  Rebekah has a plan, though, and instructs Jacob to just obey her instructions.  She prepares the dish, then uses the goatskins to cover Jacob in hair.  She gets Esau's clothing and has Jacob put it on, then sends her youngest son to get the blessing.  Jacob is able to pull of the great deceit, fool his father into believing he is Esau, and get the blessing.

Application:  Although Jacob did deserve the blessing, since Esau had sold him his birthright for a plate of stew, it doesn't excuse Rebekah or Jacob's actions.  What they both did was dishonest and deceitful, two things the Lord detests (Proverbs 6:16-19).  While it seems at this point that Jacob has accomplished his mother's wishes with ease, the consequences will be catastrophic.  It is never in God's will that we deceive to get our way.

Prayer:  Father, it's clear in Scripture why You hate lies and deceit.  It's the reason we are in the sinful mess we are right now.  You are truth, and You want me to be truthful as well.  Help me see when I'm being dishonest with others, and with myself.  I repent of my dishonest actions, and ask that You forgive me and help me stay on the path of truth.  In Jesus' name, Amen.