Genesis 25:12—27:40: A Family Feud

Warming Up to God

What one new event or piece of news can you share with Jesus today? Tell him a story and ask him to teach you as you continue reading the stories of Abraham, Isaac and now Jacob.

• I'm going to Nashville! It has been such a long awaited event and it is finally here! I am going to meet a bunch of women like me who are trying to start a business in their busy, busy lives. Teach me as I continue reading these stories in Genesis.

Discovering the Word

What difficulties and tests of faith do Isaac and Rebekah encounter in connection with the birth of their sons (25:19-22)?

• First, she couldn't get pregnant. Then she had a rough pregnancy. Her children "struggled within her". Sounds rough.

What does the incident in 25:29-34 reveal about the character of the two brothers?

• Jacob was a cook, and he was clever.
• Esau was a hard working man, but he was rash and irrational. He only cared about the now and did not consider what his actions would do for his future.

What specific promises does the Lord make to Isaac in reaffirming his covenant with Abraham (26:2-6, 23-25)?

• God reaffirmed his promise to Abraham. God would give these lands to Isaac's offspring. All nations would be blessed through them. Isaac's offspring would be many.

In 25:28 we learned that "Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob." How does this parental favoritism work itself out in the struggle recounted in 27:1-17?

• Isaac is ready to bless Esau. The eldest and the "rightful owner" of the birthright.
• Rebekah makes a plan so that Jacob will take the Birthright instead, Not conventionally, but with lies and deceit.

How does Jacob succeed in deceiving his father (27:18-29)?

• Jacob lies to Isaac. Jacob has a quick tongue.
• He put a young goat's hair on his hands and wore Esau's clothes so that Jacob would think that he was Esau.
• Wait, just want to point out here that Esau must have been extremely hairy if a goat's hair could deceive Isaac.
• Jacob packs lies upon lies. "I am Esau." "God granted me success." "I have the hands of Esau."
• The plan was Rebekah conceived the plan, but Jacob takes full responsibility for carrying it out.

Applying the Word

Verse 34 states that Esau despised his birthright (his double portion of the inheritance and future role as head of the family). In what areas are you tempted to give up something spiritually valuable for the sake of something of little or no value?

• Just now, when I could not stop going through all of the amazing files that I was given through the Business Boutique conference to come here and do my QT. My life is full of distractions and my mind flits from one to the next with great speed.

In what ways have you experienced the strength of your parents or been influenced by their weaknesses?

• I have always been impressed by their work ethic, working hard for my goals has inspired me to do many things in my life. But many times my goals are pretty weak or even nonexistent. 
• Also, my dad used to work so much that he would often skip church, which kind of down played its importance.

How can you show equal love and care to family members with radically different personalities?

• I need to give up the comparison to my sister and somehow show her the love of Christ. Often, this is done through serving, and I just thought about this, through communication. I think she's pretty lonely in her perfect world.

Responding in Prayer

Ask God to show you how to encourage better relationships in your own family or living situation.

• Help me learn how to better love my sister. Whatever that looks like.