Jan 20: Genesis 25 & 26

Jan 20, Genesis 25-26

Genesis 25 - We are told here that Abraham took another wife, who gave him more kids. We get a brief introduction to the family of Abraham and we also learn that to all the concubine’s kids, get gifts. But Everything that Abraham had, he gave to Isaac, and basically sent all the other offspring away from Isaac. Abraham died at 175. Isaac and Ishmael buried him by Sarah. After a breakdown of the genealogy of Ishmael, we hear more about the blessed son of Abraham, Isaac. His wife Rebekah couldn't get pregnant, so then Isaac prayed for 20 years for his wife to have a baby. Finally, we learn that she is pregnant - with twins. They were fighting like crazy in Rebecca’s womb and she went to the Lord to find out why. And God told her that 2 nations were inside her womb and that the older shall serve the younger. Esau, the oldest, was born red and hairy. Jacob, the younger, came out holding onto Esau’s heel. Esau was a hunter and also cooked good food. Jacob was a quiet man, who was a homebody. Then we get the famous story of Jacob acquiring Esau’s birthright. Esau came in hungry and Jacob saw his chance, to trade something, that he knew Esau didn’t want anyway. And that was his inheritance and promise from God that they would be the people of the Lord. In a rash decision to fill his belly, Esau traded the promises of God for some lunch. We read in verse 34 that Esau ‘despised his birthright,’ so we know that although Esau didn’t find any value in the Lord’s promise, that Jacob did. And that is what separated these two brothers. One didn’t care about the opportunity that God was giving him. And the other, would jump on the chance to gain the promises of God. But - do not forget about what God told Rebekah - the older shall serve the younger… God’s ways will happen! And yes, God will use us to accomplish His purposes. 

Genesis 26… Now there was a famine in the land, but we see the Lord speaking to Isaac - God speaks when/if He needs to… Not just when we want to hear from Him. We see Isaac being promised the blessings of his father Abraham. This chapter affirms that the blessing has been passed down to Isaac. 

Like Father like son - Isaac travels to a foreign land because of a famine and sadly follows in his father’s footsteps. Just like Abraham, Isaac fears man and tells the Philistines that Rebekah is his sister. This time though, it isn’t a half truth, it is a real lie. And another thing. Did you notice the name? King Abimelech. Scholars think that it is the son or grandson of same King Abimelech that took Sarah from Abraham, and that it was common to have a son named after a king. Either way, we have the same story. After a long time, the King sees Isaac and Rebekah laughing together (or carelessly flirting) and the King figures it out that Isaac had lied to him. It just goes to show a few things. 1. Generational sins - some do pass down. 2. Fear of man over God - God just spoke to Isaac! You would think that would be enough to draw Isaac's loyalty. 3. …A person who truly believes God’s promises obeys His statutes, precepts, and commands (Bible Knowledge Commentary). Do you believe the promises of God? If so - you will trust him when your faith is tried and fear is knocking at your heart. 

Isaac stayed and worked the land there and reaped a hundred fold and God kept blessing Isaac - he became very rich. The king went to Isaac with his leaders and made an oath of security for both parties and agreed to it. Also, finding good water is life changing, and God showed them where the water was. 

At the end of the chapter we learn that Esau married a couple of Hittite women and they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah. By marrying these women, it proved that Esau wasn’t into the God of the Bible and we see that he was unfit for the birthright or position as heir which he had given up. 

To sum it all up:

• My Grandpa used to say, “A moment of pleasure can ruin the rest of your life.” When I was little, I didn't quite understand what that meant. Now that I am older, it rings true - especially when reflecting on the choices that Esau made. A moment of pleasure can be as simple as a bowl of soup, or something greater. Either way, we are showing our devotion to the Lord or our disloyalty to the Lord. Do you agree with my Grandpa? I think he was spot on… 
• We don't have to repeat the sins of our parents. And as parents, we have to make sure that we stop the sins that are passed down for the future generations. That means working extra hard, and being open and honest with our kids and the mistakes and sins we make and have made in the past. In order to stop a generation of sinful mistakes.