Read through the Bible: Genesis 27-28

I’ve always liked the name Rebekah so I was extra disappointed when I read her story in Genesis 27 and 28.

Reflecting the meaning of her name, Rebekah is an ensnarer. She wants what she wants, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Jacob, her quiet son, the one who “dwells in the tents,” is her favorite. (Genesis 25:27-28) And she deceives her own husband and tells her son to do likewise so that he will get his father’s blessing.

Like Adam listened to his wife, Eve, and Abraham listened to his wife, Sarah, only this time it’s the son listening to his mother’s voice.

But we can’t place all of the blame on Rebecca. Jacob, too, lies to his father saying, “I am Esau, your firstborn” and “the Lord your God granted me success.” (Genesis 27:19-20) (By the way, did you notice that Jacob said, “the Lord your God” not “the Lord my God”?) And even going so far as saying a third time, after his dad questioned him again, “Are you really my son Esau?” He answered, “I am.” (Genesis 27:24 ESV)

When Rebecca finds out that Esau wants to kill Jacob, she doesn’t go to Esau herself and admit her wrong and seek to help reconcile her sons. No… Instead she calls Jacob to her again, telling him to “obey her voice” and flee to her brother, Laban. (Genesis 28:5)

Sin begets more sin. Once you open up the littlest pinprick of a stream, it’s hard to stop the water from flowing.

But, do you know what really blows me away after reading all of this?

God STILL blesses Jacob.

God. Still. Blesses. JACOB.

#1 – Why? Why is God so merciful and faithful? Why doesn’t He take the blessing away from Jacob and give it to Esau?

#2 – If we as women truly believe that God is good and merciful and faithful and sovereign, then why are we willing to go to such GREAT lengths to make our lives go the way that “seems right to us.” God had already promised Rebecca that “the older shall serve the younger,” (Genesis 25:23) yet she still deceived her husband and made her son do likewise to “make it happen.” Let us not follow her example. May we be women who trust God with our lives and the lives of our children.

Maybe God hasn’t promised us something so specific for our children, but God has promised us SO much! He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He has promised to always be with us. He has promised to take care of us. Check out some of my recent blog posts like this and this for more encouragement.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but it’s end is the way to death.

Proverbs 14:12

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father,

I pray that we would be women who trust You, that we would trust You SO MUCH that we would not feel the need to take matters into our own hands. May we rightly fear You, Lord, that we would not dare to sin against You. May we trust that You are able to do more than we could even ask or imagine. May we trust that You are indeed for us, so we need fear no man or life circumstance.

Make us women of the word. Make us women of faith. Make us women who our children can rise up one day and praise because we have faithfully trained them up in the fear of the Lord.

We love You, Lord. You are faithful even when we are faithless. Grow our faith, Father.

In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.