4 May - Genesis 27:30-46

Today's reading in our daily plan is Genesis 27:30-46. Take a moment to pray, asking God to speak to you from this passage. Then read, using the following notes and questions to help you get everything out of the passage.

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• The trickery in this chapter is crazy when you think about. Rebekah had her youngest son dress up in goat skin (which means his older brother was insanely hairy; like Sasquatch hairy) and then trick his blind father to get his blessing. This is some seriously messed up stuff.
• But in Jacob’s defense remember when his older brother traded his birthright for some soup?

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• Apparently the “trade” Jacob and Esau had made was about birthrights over the larger share of their father’s inheritance. Isaac’s blessing was a different thing all together. In their time a father’s blessing on his children was a huge deal; not only culturally but also practically because in some supernatural way God made them a reality.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• Last week we looked at how the sins of Jacob’s ancestors had seemingly passed down to him. His family line had a long history of lying. The truth is we can break free from those sins if we truly follow after God. In today’s reading we witnessed the impacts Jacob’s lying had on his family. In the chapter to come we will see how it plays out in Jacob and Esau’s relationship. Will grace be extended or will the disfunction continue in their family? Is there someone in your family that you need to apologize to? Is there someone who’s apology you need to accept? Or, maybe tougher, is there someone in your family you want an apology from but never received one? Will you forgive despite being asked to? 
• We learn from the Bible that offering grace is just as much for us as it is for the person we are forgiving? What hurts in your life do you need to let go of and forgive? What pain are you let determine the quality of life you have? Ask God to help you move past your pain and experience true freedom.