Scripture to Read: Genesis 25:19-34
Genesis 25 moves from focusing on Abraham to unpacking Isaac's life and introducing us to Jacob and Esau. In Genesis 25:21, we read, "And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived." We read in Genesis 25:22 that even in the womb, Jacob and Esau struggled against each other. In Genesis 25:29-34, the struggle continues as Jacob won't feed Esau unless Esau sells Jacob his birthright. Esau only cared for his flesh and flippantly sold his birthright to Jacob. However, to understand what is going on here we need to remember the plan of God. When Rebekah felt the struggle of her twins, she asked the LORD why this was happening and God answered in Genesis 25:23, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger." As each of us faces the tests and trials of this life, we must remember God's perfect plan laid out for us in Romans 8:28-29 and James 1:2-4. God's answer to Rebekah also reveals His incredible grace. As God points out in Romans 9:10-13, Jacob was not chosen above Esau to be served due to any works Jacob had done or would do. God had a perfect plan for Jacob and Esau, and His plan will always be carried out through His grace alone. God's perfect plan for mankind is to be set free from the penalty and power of sin and be saved by His grace alone.
Challenge & Application
1. What does this passage teach us about the plan of God in His Word and in the trials of our lives?
2. How can you thank God for His sovereign grace in saving you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!