Genesis 24-27
The story of Rebecca contains
three different episodes.
1. The betrothal and marriage of Rebecca. (Genesis 24) Rebecca
is introduced as a brave and resourceful young woman; she impressed all the
people who met her. She was a good match for Isaac.
2. The birth and youth of Esau and Jacob. (Genesis 25:19-34)
Rebecca gave birth to two sons with very different temperaments. The conflict
between them would be the basis for conflict between later generations and
nations.
3. Rebecca and the blessing of Isaac. (Genesis 27) Rebecca
manipulated the situation so that the older would serve the younger. Rather
than let the Lord direct the outcome, Rebecca becomes just as deceitful as
Jacob. Parental favoritism will bear its poisonous fruit.
Rebecca will show remarkable
initiative, which leads to her marriage to Isaac but would become her eventual
downfall. She and her husband Isaac each favored one son over the other, which
led to deceit between the two parents and the two brothers. She will go so far
as to deceive both her husband and her son to claim the birthright for her
younger son Jacob.
Instead of relying upon God
and trusting in His promises Rebecca resorted to favoritism and deceit which
tore the family apart. It is one thing to say “it’s God’s will” it is quite
another to force our own itineraries, plans and agendas in God’s name. Lent
calls for us to reflect on the will of God in our lives, for us to seek His
path and plan for our lives and to rely upon Him and His ways rather than
insist our own ways.
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most
gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works
begun, continued and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by
Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Schnorr von Carolsfeld Woodcut used with permission © WELS
Collect for Divine Guidance Lutheran Service Book © 2006
Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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