2013-12-17 - What Would Rebekah Say?

Genesis 24:56-59, 25:21-24, 27:2-28:5

The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, "Why is this happening to me?" So she went to inquire of the LORD. (Genesis 25:22 NIV)

When I was pregnant with twins, the two tumbled and struggled inside me. I asked God why. He told me the older would serve the younger and one would be stronger than the other. The two would be at odds, hence the struggle. Those words weren’t very comforting, and turned out to be true.

Years later when my husband Isaac was old and blind, he wanted to bestow his blessing upon our oldest, Esau. I quickly cooked up a scheme so that Jacob, our other son could receive the blessing instead of Esau. Jacob was concerned about being caught so I reassured my boy I would take full responsibility.

Isaac told Jacob (posing as Esau) that people would bow to him, including his brother, and his enemies would be cursed and his allies blessed. When Isaac and Esau found out Jacob had dressed up and acted like Esau to get the blessing, Esau burst into tears and Isaac trembled violently. Esau did not get the blessing he longed for, but didn't go away empty handed. Isaac told him he would live by the sword and serve his brother. When Esau could not stand it any longer, he would be able to break free.

Esau held a grudge against Jacob and wanted him dead. When I learned this, I told Jacob to flee to my brother Laban's until Esau calmed down and then I would send for him. Jacob obeyed, but I never sent word to Jacob.

To cover my tracks, I told Isaac I didn't want Jacob marrying a local girl so Isaac agreed Laban's would be the ideal place for Jacob to find a wife. My actions cost me everything dear. I forwent being a part of Jacob's life and alienated Esau. I was ignorant to the fact that my controlling nature could harm the boys and damage our family's relationship

Lord, Let me be patient while I wait for You to act. I don’t want to go out on a limb any longer. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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