The singular act of Isaac that was described in our last post opens matters for deeper reflection concerning the future of children given to us as trust by the Lord. Of the children carried by Rebekkah, the one who was wrestling in his mother’s womb, also wrestled with God until God touched the joint of his thigh, the seat of human strength. The touch of the Master’s hand (Gen. 32:32) turned Jacob’s life around.

He had encountered God face to face, to transform his life from a schemer and plotter using his own wisdom. Jacob became Israel, a true worshipper as he learnt to rely on God’s wisdom. In a twist of fate, the older, Esau, chose to rely on wily man instead of trusting in the provision of God’s unconditional agape love for his life and survival (Jeremiah 17:5-8). With his pleasure-loving lifestyle Esau had purposed in his heart to fix his own problem of hunger rather than allowing his provisions to come from the heavenly Father.

The lives of these two would later be paralleled in the New Testament in the story of two brothers, the prodigal son and the elder brother.

Both sons have more in common than not. They just pursued their objective in different ways. Both sons cared more about getting their dad’s stuff (inheritance) than about having a good relationship with him. Both sons were in the grip of selfishness and greed  — Daniel Vanderhorst

Their story highlights what was also central in the story of Esau and Jacob but not explicitly revealed, bringing out what every parent MUST teach their children: that God’s spiritual inheritance and a relationship with God is superior to any earthly inheritance. These must be central in their lives.

Do we as we praying parents do this? Focusing their attention on stuff has landed us as a nation where we are, rebellious children who care and run after stuff and not God. It’s never too late to call them to return. Shalom.



Pastor Afolabi Oladele