Devotion - Wednesday, Feb 10

Jacob not only obtains his older brother’s birthright, he also manages to steal their father’s blessing.

In Genesis 27 we read of Isaac’s instructions to Esau to go, hunt and prepare a feast so that he may receive the blessing. While Esau is out hunting, their mother takes a goat from the herd and prepares a meal that will please Isaac. Jacob takes this meal in to his father. In order not to be discovered, Jacob and his mother attach the skin of the goat to Jacob’s smooth hands. After he has eaten, Isaac blesses Jacob.

As a child, there were two things about this story that I struggled to understand. The first is the honoring of one who lies. My moral instruction included warnings against lying – particularly lying to one’s parents. How is it that the third in the group of four called the Patriarchs moves into that prominent role as a result of deception?

I still search for an answer. My Old Testament professor eased some of the edges by teaching us, “The Bible is more honest than we about the humanness of our heroes.” We want them to be perfect; in the Bible they follow God.

The second had to do with why Isaac couldn’t just offer another blessing to Esau. I couldn’t understand how a few spoken phrases would mean so much.

But a few spoken phrases can mean that much. And words, once spoken, can never be reclaimed. I relive the experience at the communion rail when I extend my hand, receive the bread and hear the phrase which delights me to the core – “This is the body of Christ, given for you.” I relive my own baptism each time I watch the anointing and the repeating of those words, “You have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.” Words, just words? Hardly. Once spoken, they can never be taken back.

I will forever struggle to understand, fully, the story in Genesis 27. However, I will take from this story the assurance that being human (and prone to sinfulness) does not remove me from the list of those who serve God; and, I am prevented from underestimating the words spoken over me as I bow before the One who is my Lord.