By Him Who Calls

Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So, she went to inquire of the Lord. The Lord said to her, “Two nations [Edom and Israel] are in your womb, and two peoples [Edomites and Israelites] from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older [Esau] will serve the younger [Jacob].” (Genesis 25:21–23, NIV 1984).

My Musings – “The older will serve the younger.” Jacob, by taking advantage of his brother, purchased the birthright that belonged to Esau as the older son. For “some bread and some lentil stew.” (Genesis 25:34, NIV 1984). Later on, with the help of his mother, Jacob deceived his elderly father and stole the blessing intended for Esau. “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob [supplanter]? He has deceived me [Esau] these two times: He took my birthright, and now he’s taken my blessing!” (Genesis 27:36, NIV 1984).

“Then [Esau] asked, ‘Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?’ Isaac answered Esau, ‘I have made him lord over you and have made all his relatives his servants.'” (Genesis 27:36–37, NIV 1984). Supplanter. Someone taking the place of another through force, scheming, strategy, or the like. “The older will serve the younger.”

But there is more to the story. “‘Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?’ the Lord says. ‘Yet I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated.'” (Malachi 1:2–3, NIV 1984). Not loved and hated as we commonly understand the words. But more like “I have [chosen] Jacob, but Esau I have rejected.” “Rebekah’s children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls.” (Romans 9:10–12, NIV 1984).

The decision by God to choose Jacob over Esau “before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad” seems strange and mysterious to us. Perhaps a bit unfair. But we do know despite his early scheming, deceit and taking advantage, that Jacob and his descendants eventually responded to God’s call. Esau and his descendants did not. “All the days ordained for [them] were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16, NIV 1984).

My Advice – We should all respond to God’s call and follow Him. Jesus’ “sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:2, NIV 1984).