City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

³⁰ As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, when Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, Esau his brother came in from his hunting. ³¹ He also prepared delicious food and brought it to his father. And he said to his father, “Let my father arise and eat of his son’s game, that you may bless me.” ³² His father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?” He answered, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.” ³³ Then Isaac trembled very violently and said, “Who was it then that hunted game and brought it to me, and I ate it all before you came, and I have blessed him? Yes, and he shall be blessed.” ³⁴ As soon as Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, O my father!” ³⁵ But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully, and he has taken away your blessing.” ³⁶ Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times. He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing.” Then he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?” ³⁷ Isaac answered and said to Esau, “Behold, I have made him lord over you, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants, and with grain and wine I have sustained him. What then can I do for you, my son?” ³⁸ Esau said to his father, “Have you but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father.” And Esau lifted up his voice and wept.

Genesis 27:30-38 ESV

²³ And the Lord said to her,

“Two nations are in your womb,

    and two peoples from within you shall be divided;

the one shall be stronger than the other,

    the older shall serve the younger.”

Genesis 25:23 ESV

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV

Aisha’s Analysis

In today’s verses, Esau is embittered when he learns that Jacob received the blessing his father intended for him. While Jacob deceived his father to attain this blessing by pretending to be his brother Esau, God’s will ultimately prevailed as He revealed to Isaac and Rebeccah before Esau and Jacob were even born. 

These verses should teach us to trust God no matter what. While Jacob was blessed by Isaac, he eventually got a taste of his own medicine when he was deceived by his Uncle Laban. While Esau was primarily motivated by his flesh, he eventually learned to accept God’s plan and let go of his grudge against Jacob. What is most important in any situation is staying submitted to God and trusting Him above all else. 

Knowing God should give us peace. He is the great equalizer. He’ll give us what we need for any and every situation if we’ll simply look to Him alone. If we can learn to seek and love God in every situation, He’ll work it out in His own perfect way (Romans 8:28).

Remaining in right relationship with God is more important than obtaining a specific outcome. Not surprisingly, it is when we stay connected to God that we are able to bear fruit in life and experience the best He has for us. 

Application

If you are dealing with disappointment in your life, take it to God and allow Him to turn it around. Whether it’s the situation or your mindset, something is going to change when you submit to God and put all of your trust in Him.

Cheer Up Christian: Your bad things turn out for good, your good things can never be lost, and the best things are yet to come.

https://www.monergism.com/christian%E2%80%99s-happiness-romans-828-30

Prayer

Father God, I know You are intimately aware of my life and the challenges I’m facing. Thank You for providing Your grace in every season. May I find strength and stability in the hope I have in Christ. You are my cornerstone. No matter what happens in life, I am going to keep trusting You. In Jesus’ name, amen.