Scripture to Read: Genesis 26:34–27:29
In Genesis 25:29–34, we see how Esau flippantly sold his birthright to Jacob. But even in situations stained by sin, God’s perfect will can never be stopped. We read in Genesis 26:34–35 of the foolishness Esau committed by marrying Hittite women. We see the brokenness Esau’s decision brought to Isaac and Rebekah. It is in this context that Isaac prepared to give his blessing to Esau before he died. As the firstborn, Esau was to receive this blessing. In Genesis 27:5–29, Isaac sent Esau out to hunt for food so he could bless him, but Rebekah set her deceptive plan in motion at the same time. Rebekah deceived Isaac by cooking the food Isaac expected from Esau and then disguising Jacob as Esau. For a moment, it seemed the plan had failed as Isaac heard Jacob’s voice. But Rebekah’s deception worked when Isaac felt what he believed were Esau’s hands. As a result, instead of Esau receiving the blessing of the firstborn, Jacob received it. God had told Rebekah that the older would serve the younger in Genesis 25:23, but we don’t know how God planned for that to happen. God’s perfect plan will never be swayed, not even when sinful decisions are made. Though Rebekah and Jacob deceived Isaac to get him to bless Jacob, God still fulfilled His perfect plan. We will never fully understand how God uses sinful situations for good (Romans 8:28), but we can trust that God is sovereign and that His plan will be fulfilled. The cross of Christ is a perfect example of God’s perfect plan being fulfilled.
Challenge & Application
What did God teach you about His sovereign plan today?
How can we know that God’s perfect plan will be fulfilled no matter how sinful mankind may seem to get in the way of it?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!