Jacob And Esau

Two weeks ago we brought a message of why the Jews are God's Chosen People. This week we will continue this message but with a different approach and one which some do not associate with God's Chosen People or even misunderstand the meaning of the story. I refer to the story of Jacob and Esau.

The story is an illustration of God's unconditional love for Israel and the Jewish people. According to Jewish tradition, Esau as the firstborn was entitled to Isaac's birthright and should have received preferential treatment. He also was a hunter and a hard worker while Jacob was a schemer.

However, God chose Jacob! Even before they were born, our Lord God said to Rebekah, "The older will serve the younger." Genesis 25:23. God did not choose Jacob because he deserved it and our Lord God even said, "I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated."

Now, wait a minute! God loves all people, why would He say He hated Esau? I have learned that God did not really hate Esau. This statement is actually an exaggeration to make the point that God in His Sovereignty preferred Jacob over Esau.

Romans 9:11-16 addresses the story of Jacob and Esau and raises the question, is God unjust? It then responds to this question with God responding, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." God choosing the Jewish people as His Chosen People is an example of His acting in His sovereignty!

There is much we can learn from the story of Jacob and Esau. I believe the most important lesson learned is even if we find it difficult to understand the ways of our Lord God, we should always realize that, "In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28. Additionally, Romans 11:34 says, "For who has known the mind of The Lord? Or who has become His counselor?" Bless His Holy Name!

May The Lord Bless You This Day And Every Day,

Frank