S) "2 Isaac said, 'Behold now, I am old and I do not know the day of my death. 3 Now then, please take your gear, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me; 4 and prepare a savory dish for me such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, so that my soul may bless you before I die.'"
Genesis 27:2-4 (NASB)
O) Isaac is speaking to Esau in this passage, just before his death. Esau had already lost his birthright (i.e., inheritance) to Jacob, when he sold it for some soup (see Genesis 25:27-34). We don't know for sure, but it's pretty safe to guess that Isaac knew that happened. The other hope Esau had was that his dad would bless him in prayer, since Isaac was also a prophet. It's also notable, that Esau was Isaac's favorite son, too (see Genesis 25:28). Yet, as this time approaches that Isaac can still bless his favorite son, his blessing is still quite conditional. This speaks volumes to the nature of man, that we so heavily associate blessings with performance. It makes me wonder how different the history of God's people would be, had Isaac chosen to bless his favorite son, even without a last meal. If he had simply told his son that he loved him, and prayed for him on the spot. Now, we can never underestimate the sovereignty of God. If God intended for Jacob to become Israel, then who can say the actions of Isaac or Esau could ever have changed that (see Malachi 1:2-3)? But, as it stands, we see this is an example of blown opportunity. Isaac knew time was short, although he didn't know how short. He had a chance to bless the one who was his most favored, and he didn't. Because he required obedience and performance, he was changing his blessing from grace to payment. Because of that change, Esau received none of the blessing that Isaac intended to give him.
A) This serves as a significant reminder of a few principles. First, I do not control time, not the length of my life or the opportunities I get. Second, if I intend to bless my children in grace, through prayer, then there should be no delay. I cannot ask them to earn my prayers for them, because that sets a wrong precedent about the grace of our Father God in heaven. I'm no prophet, but I know God responds to prayers. I should never delay when I intend to pray for my children. In addition, this story reminds me of the sovereignty of God. If it was His purpose to bless Jacob and make him Israel, and begin the kingdom of God's people through him, then Esau was going to lose that blessing regardless. It is sobering to remember that God's sovereignty is complete. As much as we have free will, He still leads and directs the hearts of men.
P) Father, the grace and mercy I have received are perfectly timed. You prepared to bless me, even before I was ever born. Help me to be faithful in accomplishing Your will, being used for Your purposes, when You intend me to obey. I never want to miss opportunities, especially to bless my own family, my children. With that, please bless my children. First and foremost, draw them to You, Father God. By the Holy Spirit, lead them to Your throne, God. Open their eyes to see and their eyes to hear, and soften their hearts to the gospel. Lead them to confess their sins and repent, as they learn to love You with all of their hearts, minds, soul, and strength. Every other way You intend to relate to them, in blessing them with Your very self, let Your will be accomplished in their lives. As it may happen, please let them find perfect spouses, who love and trust them, encouraging them in their walk with You. Bless their careers, that they would be able to use their God-given skills and passions to earn a living and serve You, simultaneously, even. And bless them with children, who in turn, learn to love You completely. With all of these requests, Father God, I know that Your will is not only better than my plans, but the best they could ever have. So, let Your will be done in each of their lives, both today, and forever. Be glorified in my life, and in theirs. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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