Jacob deceived his father and obtained the blessing. Prodded by his mother Jacob lied twice to his father, first, about his identity (I am Esau, v. 19), and second, that God had given him success (in hunting, v. 20). Three times the old man voiced his suspicion (vv. 20, 22, 24). But deceived by his senses of touch (vv. 16, 23) and smell (v. 27), he blessed Jacob, thinking he was Esau (27:27-29).
Esau, lost both his birthright and the blessing which were the benefits of the first born. The result, Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Questions to ponder or discuss...
1. How do our choices reveal what our hearts treasure?
2. How can self-will, doing things our way for what we want cause us to circumvent God's will?
3. Reflect upon the following statement: Our struggle is not so much discovering the will of God, but doing it. It is NOT God's will that we have favoritism, deception, manipulation, hatred, lying in our lives, they come with unavoidable consequences. It IS His will that we listen, obey and follow His leading, His words.
Ways to pray...
1. Lord, may we not practice favoritism. Show us in our lives the places where our personal desires over ride our desire for holiness.
2. Lord, please show us how our selfish desires cause us to compromise our relationships and remove us from the ability to see God at work in our lives.
The Bux-Mont & Telford Campuses of the Penn Valley Church Multi-site Network are participating in the e100 Challenge, a 100-day Bible reading program. True revival comes from prayer and knowing the Word of God. We can only live the life God intended if we know what He says about it. Join us as we read through this plan and grow deeper in our knowledge of God's Word.
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