Unfair

Genesis 25:1-27:40

Growing up, one of the meanest things my older brother could say to me was that I was my parents' favorite, usually implying that it was because I was the “baby” of our family. Being called the baby was aggravating, but what bothered me most was, strangely, being told I was the favorite. He would accuse me of getting away with things he got in trouble for, or that I didn’t have to do as many chores as he did, or that his chores were harder. He stopped as we got older, however, the memories of his taunts continued to bother me…but why? I wondered why I hated the thought that I was getting special treatment; I didn’t want to get in trouble more or take harder chores! I think what bothered me was that his taunts offended my sense of fairness. We’re taught from a young age that fairness is a virtue and should be sought in our dealings with others.

Genesis 25:1-27:40 is primarily concerned with Abraham’s son Isaac and his family. Isaac marries Rebekah, who turns out to be barren, and he prays to God on Rebekah’s behalf. The Lord grants Isaac’s prayer and Rebekah conceives twins! Unfortunately, this happy moment is short-lived, and the twins begin struggling with each other before they are even born! The Lord reveals to Rebekah that while these two brothers are destined to father great nations, they will always be rivals. Furthermore, God tells her that the younger son will rule over the older son, which likely shocked Rebekah. As you read further, you find that dysfunctional is the only word to describe this family. Isaac and Rebekah play favorites with their sons, with Isaac favoring Esau and Rebekah favoring his younger brother Jacob. What follows is a series of bad behaviors, primarily Esau selling his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew and Rebekah encouraging Jacob to steal Esau’s blessing. The whole story feels kind of like an Old Testament reality show.

Is God unfair? Traditionally, the oldest male child would inherit everything from his father; however, the Lord made it clear before their birth that Jacob, not Esau, would be the one to inherit everything. On the surface, that may seem unfair, but God knew these two young men before they were ever conceived. God knew that Esau was foolish and impulsive. He not only disregarded his birthright to lead his family, but he was also rash and headstrong, marrying two Hittite women against the wishes of God and his parents. Amid this family’s failings, God’s sovereignty and grace still shined through, for in time God would bless both Jacob and Esau as well as keep the promise he made to Abraham.

May you remember God’s sovereignty in those moments when life seems unfair..

In Christ’s Love,

Mike