God's Will and Blessing

Read Genesis 27-28

We might contemplate too much the nature of Rebekah and Jacob's sin. Did they sin in their deception? Almost certainly. But interestingly enough, the outcome was God's Will. (Not that the end justifies the means--God would have provided a better way for Jacob to receive the blessing).

But not dwelling on the sin and deception too much, we know that it was God's will for Jacob to receive the Messianic blessing rather than Esau. Rebekah had been told by God in the previous chapter, "The older shall serve the younger." We also hear elsewhere (In Malachi 1 and Romans 9) that God loved Jacob, and (by grace alone) chose that he should be the ancestor of the Messiah.

Through Jacob would be born the Advent King. Jacob, who would be renamed Israel, would be a multitude. And through him the earth would be blessed. This blessing of all families on earth is fulfilled in Christ. Jesus is the King. We are part of his multitude by faith.

This interesting occurrence of the younger receiving the blessing is repeated. Amazingly enough, Jacob will bless his grandsons and will intentionally cross his right arm over to the younger, and his left to the older. Again the younger will receive the promise. (We'll see this in Genesis 48).

This just verifies that the promise comes by the grace of God, by his choice. It is not by works, not by being a certain race, not by being the eldest or by any other way of "earning" it. It is by God's grace. The promise continues. The Advent King approaches. Come, Lord Jesus!

Ask Yourself:

Do I try to dictate how God should bless me?

Do I resort to deception to accomplish what I believe is God's will?

Do I look forward to Jesus' second coming? Can I honestly pray "Come, Lord Jesus!" If I struggle with that why?

Pray:

Redeemer, come and open wide
My heart to Thee; here, Lord, abide!
O enter with Thy grace divine;
Thy face of mercy on me shine.
Thy Holy Spirit guide us on
Until our glorious goal is won.
Eternal praise and fame
We offer to Thy name.

(LSB 341:5, Public Domain)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!