QT 10/20/2025 Gen 27:1–10, Man's efforts vs God's efforts

Genesis 27:1–10 (ESV) —

1 When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son”; and he answered, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. 3 Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me, 4 and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.”

5 Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to his son Esau. So when Esau went to the field to hunt for game and bring it, 6 Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “I heard your father speak to your brother Esau, 7 ‘Bring me game and prepare for me delicious food, that I may eat it and bless you before the Lord before I die.’ 8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice as I command you. 9 Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats, so that I may prepare from them delicious food for your father, such as he loves. 10 And you shall bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies.”

 

NOTE: Isaac is described as blind or at least with very poor sight. He seems to be spiritually blind as well. God spoke to Rebekkah about the two children and I am sure she told Isaac as well. His actions are very much fleshly, his desire is only for delicious food. Rebekkah is not much better. She knows the prophecy but instead of trusting God for the outcome, she schemes a plan to steal the blessing. Some commentators try to make her the hero because she accepts the blame, but there are prudent actions and there are actions that go beyond prudence, and her actions are scheming to get the outcome she wanted.

 

I know that Isaac already got the birthright by scheming against Esau, but when he returns from Haran, Esau is pretty much running the show, and Isaac is so wealthy, he does not want anything (in one sense, Esau got the physical birthright). Likewise, Isaac runs away and ends up going through a mini-hell (hardly a blessing) in his time with Laban, who is also a deceiver. He is running for his life when he wrestles with God, and there finally receives God's blessing.

 

Ultimately it is God who provides blessings, not men or women, and certainly not through scheming.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I scheme or go beyond prudent steps to achieve the things I want?
2. Or am I willing to trust God and not let my sticky fingers get involved?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for this lesson that I have been learning lately. One would think after almost 50 years of walking with God, I would know how to walk by faith. But I am finding that whenever I dwell on an issue, I am in danger of scheming in my heart and not trusting you.