October 31, 2023
Topic: DISFUNCTIONAL FAMILY – ISAAC AND REBEKAH
Text: Genesis 25: 21-28, 27: 6-13
Memory Verse: Genesis 18:19 – For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has spoken to him.
Sibling rivalry is a major challenge in modern day family setting. It starts mostly when Parents show favoritism to one child over another; it may also fester when the children are not raised with the right values. We have example of families leaving behind a huge amount of inheritance but the children of the deceased start to fight each other because of the sharing of the assets. The major problem is the lack of respect for their parents and no love lost amongst them. We as parents must be careful and ensure we instill Godly values in our children.
When Rebekah was pregnant, she inquired of the Lord about the pregnancy and was told that she was going to have twins and one was going to be stronger than the other would be; she was also told that the younger would serve the older. It is therefore not surprising that when the twins were born, she, working with the prophecy took to showing more affection to Jacob. The father made matters worse by also showing his preference for Esau because he was a man of the field and a hunter.
Parents should learn from the errors of these parents and not show favoritisms to one child against the other. God made all children different, and we are often fond of comparing them with the other, this places children under pressure to compete for their parents’ attention and love and we may end up with dysfunctional children that are rebellious, manipulative and deceptive.
When it was time for Isaac to die, he decided to bless Esau rather than call his two children and give his fatherly blessings. Such acts will be displeasing to God but to make matters worse, Rebekah outsmarted him by making Jacob pretend to be Esau to steal the blessing. She probably thought she was helping God since the prophecy said the younger one would be greater. It was not in her place to do this, her actions created hatred between the siblings. Jacob deceived his brother to sell his birth right sometime before this and now took over his inheritance and blessings.
Let us learn from this lesson today that God does not need our help to fulfil his promises in the life of his children, Parents must surrender their children to God for his will to be done in their lives. In choosing a career or a life partner, we should be careful not to stand as God in our children’s life. We can pray and counsel them but not control and manipulate their future. We are custodians and not the final authority over them.
Prayer: I thank you my Lord for the gift of children, I commit them all unto you to keep them. Be their God and make them into who you want them to be. I refuse to play God in their affairs from today. I trust you enough to lead them and direct their affairs aright. They are first your children and I acknowledge they are gifts from you. I will not create enemies amongst my children, please help me to instill the right values in them, Amen.