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Stories From The Old Testament That Build Faith & Devotion

Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion “Birthright” vs. “Blessing”  The Birthright  Rights belonging to the 1st born  Family name & title would pass through him  Acting as family priest (Patriarchal days)  Inheritance double portion Deut 21:15-17  Did not affect God’s promises (e.g. Jacob)

Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion “Birthright” vs. “Blessing”  The Blessing  Ceremonial rite belonging to the 1st born  Though not the promises made by God, this was more in line with what God promised starting with Abraham than the birthright Gen 27: :4  Usually done as patriarch approached death

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46  An old Isaac desires to bless Esau vv. 1-4  He wants to taste of Esau’s game once more  His infirmities will play a major role  Rebekah has other “plans” vv  She overhears Isaac’s wishes and schemes to have Jacob blessed instead of Esau Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46  Rebekah has other “plans” vv  Despite “logical objections,” she persuades Jacob to go along with her plan vv  She was even willing to accept the curse if Jacob got caught v. 13  Jacob obeyed his mother vv Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46  Rebekah has other “plans” vv  What was Rebekah’s “motivation?”  What she had been told earlier? 25:23  Jacob being her “favorite?” 25:28b  No indication she informed Isaac what God had said to her when she learned his desire Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion 4

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46  Rebekah has other “plans” vv  What was Rebekah’s “motivation?”  Also, notice she “inquired of the Lord” when the twins struggled  No such “inquiry” now…she “takes matters into her own hands” re: her favorite son Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46  Jacob’s actions vv a  He lies re: his identity when questioned by Isaac vv  He lies re: the hunt’s “success” v. 20  He lies re: his identity when questioned more specifically by Isaac vv Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46  Jacob’s actions vv a  The voice of his son & the timing of the meal gave Isaac some concern  The “final deception” was the feel & smell of the animal skins & Esau’s garments when Jacob came close to kiss Isaac vv Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46  Jacob’s actions vv a  As “honorable” and good as Isaac was in treating who he thought was Esau, Jacob was equally treacherous and “dishonorable” in his deception  As was Rebekah…his “scheming” mother Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46  The blessing vv. 27b-29  Isaac connected the smell of his son with the field blessed by the Lord  The blessing pertained to the future success of the family…especially under this son’s leadership after Isaac’s death Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46  The blessing vv. 27b-29  Jacob would be blessed by God physically  Jacob would be ruler over other people… even his own brother  Jacob would enjoy the original blessing God gave to Abraham cp. Gen 12:3a Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46  Esau’s actions vv  He returns home from the hunt, expecting to be blessed by his father v. 31  Isaac first inquires as to his identity, then “trembles violently”…he has been deceived & Esau has been defrauded vv Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46  Esau’s actions vv  He cried out with a “bitter cry” v. 34  He begged Isaac for a blessing also v. 34  He bemoans Jacob’s 2 deceptions v. 35  He implores his father 1 final time for a blessing vv Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46 APPLICATION  Esau was now in a position that could not be changed or altered  “No repentance”…even though he “sought it with tears” Heb 12:17 Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46 APPLICATION  Through his earlier disposition (25:34), Esau showed he was willing to bargain away something important  Likewise, we can put ourselves in situations through similar “reckless” behavior Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46 APPLICATION  We, too, may face consequences that cannot be “repented” (changed or altered) …even though we might seek such with tears  This is why we are exhorted to not be like Esau…the “profane” or “godless” person Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46  Isaac’s final words vv  Esau would not enjoy the prosperity Jacob had been promised 27:28  Esau would serve Jacob 25:23  However, he would rebel and “break this yoke” from his neck Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of Deception Gen 25, 27  The Stolen Blessing 27:1-46  Esau’s reaction vv a  Esau replaced his misery with malice …he planned to kill Jacob once Isaac was dead  Another indication re: the type of person Esau was Ù he “publicized” his intentions  Somehow Rebekah learned of his plans Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

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