Faith to Continue

Hebrews 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
 
WE are learning about Genesis as we read Hebrews, aren’t we? This verse refers to the blessings Isaac gave to his twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Genesis 27 tells us Jacob deceived his father and received the blessing Isaac planned to give to Esau. Here is Isaac’s blessing to Jacob:
 
Genesis 27:28-29 “May God give you of heaven’s dew and of earth’s richness – an abundance of grain and new wine. 29 May nations serve you and peoples bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed.”
 
And here is Isaac’s blessing to Esau: Genesis 27:39-40 “Your dwelling will be away from the earth’s richness, away from the dew of heaven above. 40 You will live by the sword and you will serve your brother. But when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from off your neck.”
 
Note Jacob’s blessing is one of plenty and rulership over his brother and the nations. Esau’s blessing points to struggle and rebellion. In our understanding of blessing, this may seem more as a curse on Esau. But we must see Isaac’s words as the life and purpose God had prepared for each.
    The brothers’ lives would fulfill Isaac’s words. Esau established the nation known as the Edomites and lived in the area near the Dead Sea. It was a place of struggle. The Edomites were often at war with Israel and under its authority.
    Jacob’s story dominates much of Genesis. He would be named Israel. His sons became the heads of Israel’s 12 tribes. The lineage of Jesus Christ goes through Jacob.
    How is it, then, that Hebrews says Isaac’s blessing was done in faith? Wasn’t he doing what every father did? Were his words to Jacob meant for Esau? Should Esau have been in Jesus’ lineage?
    Faith is evident here in the words each man received. Isaac spoke the words God had given him to speak to Jacob and to Esau. Before the twins were born, God said to their mother Rebekah: Genesis 25:23 “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”
    The LORD’s sovereign plan was at work. He was preparing the place and the people who would be Abraham’s offspring. The line to Israel and to Jesus would go through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Each of these men dealt with doubt and struggled to see God in their lives. Yet, the Lord was faithful to keep them in his plan to redeem the world. Within each of them was a God-given faith the Lord used to advance his kingdom.
    Hebrews points us to the beginning of God’s plan, so we can we can faithfully point to the end of God’s plan. We likely struggle as the ancients did, wondering what is right. And can we believe the world is on course toward the Day of the Lord?
    God wants us to know that it is. We have learned the stories of past struggles, so we have the faith and strength to continue the work God has given us to do. Be at peace in God’s presence. Know he has the power and the patience to fulfill his prophecies.