June 25, 2023: Family Worship Service: Old Testament (2) : "Sons of Isaac”　

Last time we talked about Abraham and Isaac. Today we will talk about Isaac's sons. What were their names?

They are twins. The elder son is Esau, and the younger one is Jacob.

Isaac loved Esau more than Jacob because Esau was a hunter and Isaac liked meat. On the other hand, Rebekah preferred Jacob who helped around the house and was quiet. I am glad that my parents love us equally.

I don't understand why Rebekah made such a devious plan.

Because Jacob deceived his father and older brother, Esau intended to kill Jacob. He ran away to his mother's brother, Uncle Laban. However, Laban made Jacob work unfairly. Jacob had such a hard time. 

I imagine that Jacob was so upset and frustrated, but I think he regretted how he treated his father and brother in the past.

I want to let you know that God predicted to Rebekah that Esau would come to serve Jacob, in Genesis 25:23. Dad, could you please read it?

“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.” 

So, it is difficult to determine whether Rebekah loved Jacob more because of what she liked about her sons, or whether she dared to pray for Jacob to receive the blessing because God told her to, even though she betrayed her husband Isaac and her oldest son Esau!  Let's praise God and watch the video.

Now, let's hear your thoughts and questions, shall we?

Jacob’s brother Esau also became rich, didn't he? Jacob sent him some livestock as a sign of reconciliation, but Esau refused, saying, "I have enough things, so take what is yours.” 

That means that Esau completely forgave Jacob. But if I were him, I'd keep it.

In the end, Jacob insisted that he take it, so Esau got it.

Oh, I see. 

Why did Jacob go back to his hometown?　Because Jacob must have been in danger of getting into trouble with his brother.

Yes, that's right. Jacob had been away from his hometown for about 20 years. So he wanted to see his father and mother back home again. Another reason was Canaan is the promised land that God gave to Abraham.

Esau was living in the field of Edom. Jacob had made a fortune and sent a messenger to see him again. As Esau welcomed the messenger with 400 men, Jacob was afraid. However, Esau was so happy to see Jacob that he forgave him. When Isaac eventually died, Esau and Jacob buried him together. We don't know when Rebekah died, but it was before Jacob's return home from Haran, so it must have been so sad for Jacob.

I'm relieved that Jacob and Esau were able to reconcile. 

Why is it so important to receive the blessing as the right of the eldest son?  It is unfair to give it only to the eldest son. I think the blessing prayer must be given to both of them equally.

We are discussing this from today’s point of view.

In Bible times, the firstborn had the right to the most important blessings.There are both spiritual blessings and material ones. They are very valuable and worthy.

Esau disregarded the rights of the firstborn and gave them up in exchange for his temporary satisfaction. Abraham receiving the blessing from God was not just about the prosperity of his tribe, but through the 12 tribes of Israel, Jacob was born, and it led to the birth of Jesus.

We have unconditionally received the rights of the firstborn restored through the blood of Jesus on the cross. We thank the Lord for this great grace given to us.

Grace, could you please pray for us?

Dear God, We studied the story of Esau and Jacob, and I learned for the first time how important the blessing of the firstborn is. I also knew you thought about these things before Jesus, your only begotten son, was born. Thank you, God, for protecting our family. Please guide us so that we can spend time together and grow as your children. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.