This past Sunday, August 26 as we explored Abraham, Isaac and Jacob we arrived at Gen 27. This single event provides ample evidence of the sin in the lives of these family members and the resulting chaos.
Isaac is growing old and rather than confront his wife over the blessing of his favorite son Esau, Isaac decides to bless Esau without telling anyone. This passive approach is a total abandonment of his God given role as the leader of his family.
Esau, as the writer of Hebrews tells us is an ungodly man and when he learns the birth right has been given to Jacob he responds by rebelling even more.
When Rebecca hears that her husband plans to give the birth right to Esau privately, she responds by seeking to control the situation and arrange the "great switch" to give Jacob the birth right.
Jacob is the only one of the four that seems to question whether any of this is right or wrong, his only real concern is getting caught. Jacob responds to this mess by running from the consequences of his actions.
How does all this end? Not well. Esau is out to kill is brother, Jacob flees to Laban and the family is shattered.
Yep, that is how this part of the story concludes. No happy ending. Each of these family members cope with this dysfunction in their own way and this adds to the pain.
Isaac responds by abdicating his leadership role in the family. Like many husbands/fathers who are frustrated with family conflict, Isaac checks out - "You handle these kids; I'm going to work, to play golf"
Rebecca copes by trying to control everything and manipulate everyone. Not unlike some moms/wives she thinks if everyone will just do what she wants, she can manage this mess.
Esau copes by rebilling even more and sticking it to his parents.
Jacob, who was always afraid of getting caught, simply runs from his actions.
The one thing that is missing that could have brought peace and joy to this family...no not Dr. Phil. The one thing is repentance. None of these family members hinted at repentance. Each managed sin in a different way and that management brought more pain. Without repentance there is no joy and no peace.
I must look upon my sin and my messed up life long enough to be broken by it and then look immediately to the risen savior who bore all of my sin and absorbed the wrath of God for me to discover and experience the joy of my salvation.
It was through this unrepented family's heritage that the One who makes repentance possible was born. For the joy of your family and for your own joy - repent.
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