Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is Genesis 27:28

Genesis 27:28 Therefore may God give you the dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine.

Isaac, who was going blind due to old age, did not realize that He was pronouncing his blessing, not upon the eldest son Esau as he supposed, but rather upon Jacob, who was deceiving him. He bestowed upon Jacob the highest honor and blessing that he could.

The blessings, once spoken, were honored by God. God distinguished between His people and the other cultures around them. The blessings of God were passed on from generation to generation from the father to the sons who would then become the heads of their own families. Esau was incensed that Jacob had taken the blessing of the firstborn from him, but the blessing had been passed on to Jacob nonetheless.

Jacob became the father of the Israelites and Esau became the father of the Edomites. In the short term, it seemed that the blessing that was given to Jacob, that God would give him the “dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine” which was a blessing of rich provision, prosperity and safety, would not be realized. For it was Esau’s descendants who seemed to have inherited this prosperity.

While the descendants of Jacob were living as slaves in Egypt for 430 years, the descendants of Esau were living in relative prosperity in Mount Seir. They had their own rulers and kings and occupied a land that was prosperous and produced plentifully. It seemed that the blessing given to Jacob was not a blessing at all and that the idea of God enriching him and his descendants was folly and had no merit. But God’s word is true and, even if it appears that things are going in the opposite direction of what God says, what He says is exactly what is going to come to pass.

God delivered the descendants of Jacob out of bondage and led them into a beautiful and prosperous land. His promises to Israel were sure and all of the good promises made to them were fulfilled just as He has said. Moses, who was a descendant of Jacob, led them out of bondage and Joshua took them into the promised land. “Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto His people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised by the hand of Moses His servant.” 1 Kings 8:56

God is always true to His word and what He has declared is what is going to come to pass. God is faithful and honors His word. May we be those who stand upon His promises and faithfully wait upon His deliverance. We too will see the promised land.

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim