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Sunday School Lesson
As we read the divine record, we must remember that God used real people in a real world. The problems that are faced in the world today are no different than those of the past. The only difference is the geography and the calendar. Through an arranged marriage, 40-year-old (Genesis 25:20) Isaac, the son of Abraham, took Rebekah to be his wife. Genesis 24:67. There is no direct scriptural indication of the age of Rebekah. However, we are told that "Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren..." Genesis 25:21a. We are told that "the Lord was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived." Genesis 25:21b. During this time in the life of Rebekah, "the children struggled together within her..." Genesis 25:22a. Even though this was her first experience with this condition, she recognized the fact of something being amiss. "And she said, If it be so, why am I thus?" Genesis 25:22b. Her personal action is an example for any person who has a question regarding the present situation in his or her life - "And she went to inquire of the Lord." Genesis 25:22c. It is important to understand the distinction between asking God a question, and questioning God. The first of these situations is expressing a desire for information. The second situation is our pitting human wisdom against divine wisdom and design. The divine answer came. "And the Lord said unto her, two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger." Genesis 25:23. At the time of the birth of the twins, "the first came out red, and all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau." Genesis 25:25. We are told that "And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold of Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob..." Genesis 25:26a,b. We are, also, told that "Isaac was three-score years old when she bare them." Genesis 25:26c. The personalities and temperaments of these two boys are described. "And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents." Genesis 25:27. We are given some insight into the nature of the relationships within that family. "And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob." Genesis 25:28. Obviously, this "division of the house" caused problems. The personalities of these children carried their lives in different directions. The record shows us one very important scene in the lives. "And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: and Esau said to Jacob, feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom." Genesis 25:29,30. Jacob saw an opportunity to strike a bargain. "And Jacob said, sell me this day thy birthright." Genesis 25:31. The response of Esau was immediate. "And Esau said, behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?" Genesis 25:32. Jacob did not allow opportunity to pass him by. "And Jacob said, swear to me this day: and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob." Genesis 25:33. Jacob was not a man to go back on his word. "Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright." Genesis 25:34. In order for us to understand the importance of the trade that was made, it is necessary for us to have some understanding of ancient middle Eastern culture. The birthright was the possession of the first-born son. This right gave the individual a double portion of the goods to be divided at the death of the father. This individual was, then, seen as the leader of the family, or clan, with all of the rights and responsibilities that were associated with that position. In the case of this family, the birthright included the divine promise that had been given to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1, 4, 5) and to Isaac (Genesis 26:24). Jacob was familiar with that custom. Yet, the second born, he was not in line to receive this blessing. It seems as if he had spent much time wondering how he might obtain this family position. Thus, he was ready when opportunity knocked. These boys must have been told of the divine response given to their mother, when she asked her question. Genesis 25:23. The fact that the elder shall serve the younger seemed to be impossible in that societal structure. One might ask how could this prophesy be fulfilled without some human help? Since we know that the will, plan, and purpose of God will be completed, we will never know the answer to this question. Since we know "the rest of the story," we can see that even in situations where human wisdom and design has been allowed to operate, the divine plan will be carried out. Through this flawed family God would bring the savior of mankind into the world. Can one conclude that God was the author of the rivalry, contention, and confusion that developed in that ancient family? The answer is a resounding, "NO!" 1 Corinthians 14:33. In confusing situations in our day, the answer is the same. Granted, God allows these circumstances into our lives, but their divine purpose is to be seen in the answer, as the fulfillment of the divine plan unfolds. Is there some kind of rivalry in your family? Has contention and strife begun to run rampant? Are these negative circumstances tearing your family apart? You can rest assured that God is not the cause of this situation. However, you can take the problem to God (Hebrews 4:15, 16), and know that he cares (1 Peter 5:7).
God sent his son into a world that was filled with all kinds of confusion and doubt. Luke 2:10,11. Our personal problems are not unique. 1 Corinthians 10:13. We can, still, trust God.
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