Jacob, man of conflict, man of grace- part 2 Listen to Audio

                                              October 18, 2009

 

Intro: Genesis 25:27-34- previously noted the unsettling

prophecy of vs.23

 

I. THE CHARACTERS ARE BRIEFLY PROFILED-

See vs.27-28

1. Esau- skillful hunger/field – negative

2. Jacob- “mild”- other versions- “quiet, plain.”- word

  has the connotation of harmless, perfect

3.”Isaac loved Esau…his game”- attraction to Esau relates

   to fleshly appetite; ignores vs.23

4. “Rebekah loved Jacob” – responds to prophecy- to

  love what God loves is right  (Malachi 1:2-3)

*Conflicts would become a feature of this family.

 

II. EACH SON’S CHOICE  SIGNIFIES HIS LIFE.

 See vs.29-34

1. Appetites express much about who we are.

2. Jacob is more fore-sighted-  he appreciates the value of

  the birthright     see Moses in Heb.11:24-26

3. Gravity of this choice is sealed with an oath- vs.33

4. Esau’s lack of spiritual capacity is clear- vs.34

  see Prov.30:20

 

Observations:

> If Esau was carnal, Jacob was cunning-  likely the stew

   was cooked before Esau returned-  Jacob manipulated

   the circumstance for maximum advantage

>We also have a valuable birthright- see Gal.4:3-7,

   Eph.1:11 and Heb.12:15-16

   * God hates those who despise His promises.