History Does Repeat Itself

Girls, I think the real meat of day's reading lies within the Easu/birthright part of the story. I will camp out there in few minutes. I first need to say couple things.

First, is there any echo in the house? Can you believe that Issac lied about Rebekah to Abimelech just like Abraham did? I must say, Sarah and Rebekah must have been real "babes" for both of these men to be so concerned about their lives that they had to lie about whether or not they were married. I wonder if Abraham ever told Issac of the time he lied about his mother not being his wife. You know, maybe during one of those father-son, sitting around chatting about life times that fathers and son have. Issac may have thought "Dad tried it. I will, too." History sure does repeat itself.

Second, can anyone say "manipulating mother" and c"onniving wife?" I have heard of mothers having favorites before but Rebekah took it to another level. I was amazed at her energy in planning the deception of Issac. She cleaned and cooked the goat to prepare an amazing meat stew for Issac. (How long does it take to clean a goat?) Then while the stew was cooking she used the skin of the goat to make Jacob a nice goat hair glove and scarf ensemble. Move over Martha Stewart. No matter how many times I read this story I still can't believe the lengths that she went to deceive her husband. History sure does repeat itself.

Ok, to Esau. The question I asked myself in my journal was this: What am I willing to "sell/sacrifice" for the fullness of my heritance? Ouch!

There have been times, like Esau, I was willing to give up the lasting glory of God's favor and blessing for the momentary glory of the temporary. There have been times in my life that I thought so little of the greatness and awesomeness of my inheritance that I traded part of the future for the now and at the time it seemed so urgent. Looking back it was foolish, just like Esau.

After reading 27:34-38, I honestly don't think Esau truly realized what his words meant. I really think he was acting in the moment, in desperation. He thought his words could be revoked and actions reversed. Did you hear his voice as he begged his father for a blessing?

Esau pleaded, “But do you have only one blessing? Oh my father, bless me, too!” Then Esau broke down and wept.

I think it was at this moment that it hit him. He fully realized the consequences of his words and actions. And he could not take it back.

Oh, there are so many things I wish I could take back, so many of those future for now trades I made. I can't get them back. But I have a Father who can and does restore all that I traded for temporary pleasures. Joel 2:25 tells us that when we return to the Lord with all our hearts (Joel 2:12-13) that He we will restore that which the locust have eaten. He will replace what was lost and never will His people have to live in shame again. Don't you know Esau needed that hope.

How about do you? Do you have that hope? Cry out to your Father just has Esau did. There is enough inheritance for all of us. History does not have to repeat itself.