Day 23, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Genesis 25:27–34; 27:1–46; 28:1–9; Genesis 36; 1Chronicles 1:35–54
Over-Zealous Ambitions
An audio version of today's Bible study is available here
Most people have played the game of basketball or have seen it played. Some players run all over the court trying to get the ball into their hands, yelling to their teammates, “Give me the ball! Give me the ball!” More mature ballplayers have learned the principle, “Let the ball come to you.” How does a shoot-first player relate to this Bible study and our lives?
The characters in today’s Bible reading have over-zealous ambitions. Believe it or not, some of this begins before birth. Perhaps we can also relate to this “me-first” attitude.
Isaac’s Wife Rebekah Bears Twins
After trying and waiting twenty years, Isaac's wife, Rebekah, becomes pregnant with twin boys. Before they are born, they jostle each other in the womb—they are already fighting. Rebekah doesn't understand this, so she asks the LORD about it. “The LORD said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger’” (Genesis 25:23, NIV).
Esau is the firstborn. His name means “red and hairy,” for that is his appearance. After Esau, Jacob is born with his hand on Esau’s heel, so they name him “supplanter.” Predictably and figuratively, Jacob will later grab Esau’s heal and trip him up so he can stand in Esau’s place with the blessings of a firstborn son.
Jacob's deception
Esau’s red and hairy skin portrays his wild nature. He grows up to live a rugged outdoor lifestyle and becomes a skillful hunter. Meanwhile, Jacob is smooth-skinned and grows up to be a quiet man, preferring to be indoors, working in and around the tents.
After the boys grow into young men, Jacob pulls a trick to steal Esau’s birthright (the firstborn’s right to his father’s blessing). One day, as Jacob is working in his family’s tent and making stew, Esau comes in from the field, famished. Jacob makes a bargain with Esau to trade stew for his brother’s birthright. In his weakness, Esau gives in and makes the bargain (Genesis 25:27-34).Have we ever sought to claim what we believe is rightfully ours? Have we been deceitful and conniving to get it? Selfishness and dishonest practices give people cause to despise and hate us—we care only for ourselves. If something in life is meant to be ours, we should have faith in God to provide it. We should let the ball come to us.
The Opportunity for Deception
Finally, as their father gets old, it’s time for them to receive their inheritances. Jacob and Esau probably know of God’s promises given to Abraham for land, seed, and blessing (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:5, 18).They also know their father has inherited these promises and the wealth that comes with them. They want these blessings for themselves. The firstborn handles the family's care when his father dies, so he gets double portions of the inheritance. Both brothers are eager to have it.
For an unexplained reason, God providentially chooses Jacob to receive the inheritance. Why? We don’t know. Maybe it’s because God knew Esau wouldn’t respect his birthright—his hunger for food was more important to him. Esau made a choice of a bowl of stew over God’s blessings. While we may understand hunger pangs, stressful times show us who we are. Esau fails the test. What is more valuable to us—God’s blessing, or other things like our comfort, career, or pleasure? Let’s not sacrifice God’s best for immediate or temporary gratification.
Jacob steals Esau's blessing
Well-meaning friends and family members may try to help us get what we want. This happens in Jacob’s case. Esau is the favorite of his father, but Jacob is the favorite of his mother.
Because Rebekah is over-zealous in having the best for her son, Jacob, she helps disguise him, so her husband will think Jacob is Esau and bless him. She provides goatskin for his arms and neck, so he will feel and smell like his brother, for Esau is a hairy outdoorsman. Although Isaac can’t see very well, he can feel and smell. Then she prepares some venison, her husband’s favorite food.
Consequences of Deception
The ploy works well, and both Jacob and his mother get what they want. However, there is a heavy price to pay for their deception. This trick of Jacob stealing the birthright blessing from Esau causes Esau to hate his brother so much he wants to kill him. For his protection and provision, Isaac sends Jacob back to their relatives in Haran with an excuse to find an acceptable wife. Jacob’s sin separates him from his family, and especially his beloved mother.
Making things Right
As in basketball, sometimes we try too hard to make things happen. The ball of opportunity will come to us if we play unselfishly, are open, and are in the right place and time. If we exercise patience, trust God, and not force his will, we can win, and lose less often. In future lessons, we will also see this as true in Jacob's life.
Have we caused hatred in our family? It’s not easily removed. Why not humble ourselves before the ones we have offended and confess our sins? Why not give preference to them? Over time, they will probably forgive us if we prove to be genuinely repentant. Will Esau kill Jacob or forgive him? Stay tuned to our next lesson.
God's Grace to Esau
Finally, although Jacob tricked Esau when he foolishly forfeited his birthright, the LORD was gracious. Esau’s family, flocks, and herds multiply many times. God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s sons is coming to pass, even though Esau is not the chosen heir. This gives us hope—God may yet offer grace to us when we mess up.
Discussion
What does Jacob’s deception teach us about life?
Esau’s hunger lost him his birthright and blessing. How can we prevent missing out on God’s best?
Why should we ask forgiveness when we deceive others? Why not let it go?
Focus Verse
Galatians 4:18a (NIV) “It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good.”
You can watch a video presentation of this lesson here. Begin at 35:29 and end at 39:00 and also begin at 41:17 and end at 46:47
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
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Looking Ahead: Jacob will pay a high price for his deception—what goes around comes around. Let us learn from his mistakes and not lead A Ferris Wheel Life. Join us for our Next Lesson.
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