An eternal view

Genesis 25: 24-28: “And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them. And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.”

Jacob was born trying to take his brother’s place. Even though the boys were twins the firstborn had rights while the second born had none. These brothers struggled before they were born and they fought as they grew older. Jacob was jealous of Esau and the rights that he had; he tried every trick that he could devise to take his brother’s place in the bigger scheme of things. However, in Hebrews 11: 20, 21 (“By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.”) Jacob is commended for his faith while Esau is not. In Hebrews 11: 16  we read “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city”. This reminds us that Jacob understood the importance of eternal matter while Esau was only interested in immediate matters. It is the people who realise the importance of the eternal and trust in God who have faith. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ gives us everlasting life and nothing else can save us. Not even the privileges of birth.

(The view expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)
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