The Blessing of a Father, Isaac, was valuable and worth stealing, but it came at a cost. Genesis 27
Rebekah had sought God when she became pregnant, why the two babies in her were jostling (butting heads MSG) so much? God said they would be two nations and the elder would serve the younger. We find how this was to come about in Genesis 27. Old age had caught up with Isaac and he called Esau, his older son to go and get him some fresh game. To prepare the food and bring it to him so that he could bless Esau. The traditions of men (older son getting the father’s blessing) are not always the will of God!
5 Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. … 8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you. 9 Go now to the flock and bring me from there two choice kids of the goats, and I will make savory food from them for your father, such as he loves. 10 Then you shall take it to your father, that he may eat it, and that HE MAY BLESS YOU BEFORE HIS DEATH.” Genesis 27
So Rebekah conspired with her favourite son, Jacob, to steal his father’s blessing. But Jacob was worried that his father Isaac would recognise him and Curse him instead.
… and his mother made savoury food, such as his father loved. 15 Then Rebekah took the choice clothes of her elder son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son. 16 And she put the skins of the kids of the goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. 17 Then she gave the savoury food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.
Rebekah planned well, using Esau’s clothes and putting hairy goat skin on Jacob’s hands and neck where his father could touch him.
23 And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him.
“Come near now and kiss me, my son.” 27 And he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him and said:
Our natural senses are not always a safe guide, we can be deceived, as Isaac was. At important times, such as today, we need to hear from God and ‘not lean on our own understanding’ Proverbs 3:5, 6
28 Therefore may God give you
Of the dew of heaven,
Of the fatness of the earth,
And plenty of grain and wine.
29 Let peoples serve you,
And nations bow down to you.
BE MASTER OVER YOUR BROTHERS (the younger ruled),
And let your mother’s sons bow down to you.
Cursed be everyone who curses you,
And blessed be those who bless you (Abraham’s Blessing!”)
God’s plan and purpose would be fulfilled through Jacob and Esau, the son who grieved his parents by taking Hittite wives, would serve him.
Parents blessing is not so highly valued today, but those who gave life can bless our futures too, if we’re willing to ask them.
God bless and keep you today.