It's true. Misery loves company. For that reason, I'm glad that the Lord has left us His Word, rich with stories of imperfect people living out faith through painful circumstances.Lately, I've been pondering what it was like for Rebekah after Jacob left for Uncle Laban's house? Remember the story? Rebekah overheard her husband, Isaac, make plans to give his favorite son, Esau, his blessing, and successfully conspired with her other son, Jacob, to help him steal it?
*scoff* So, yeah--thanks a bunch, Mom.
I wonder what Esau said to her after Jacob fled? Or Isaac? Did he have anything to say to the mother of his children after she went out of her way to destroy their relationship? I know that the deception was found out immediately, but how long was it before Rebekah's participation was realized? And how did she explain to her other son, such a flagrant abuse of parental trust?
And how difficult would it be for Esau to muster up a feeling of honor toward her after that?
We never hear about their relationship--if there was a relationship--again after that. But we do know that after many, many years, Esau receives Jacob happily and the brothers' relationship is restored.
The Lord is good.
3 comments:
My family and I are reading Genesis right now, and we've been thinking through those same topics.
It is amazing how the Lord uses imperfect people and horrible circumstances to accomplish His plan.
It is interesting to consider all of the aspects of the saga that the Lord doesn't reveal to us in the written account of Scripture, isn't it?
Favortism, deception, thievery, between family members! Human nature is a wretched thing apart from the redemptive power of the cross!
Your blog about Rebekah touched my heart. I have been reading the Old Testament this year, and I liked Rebekah too. I liked that she went to the Lord to pray about her unborn babies, and there the Lord told her that the "elder shall serve the younger." The Lord answered her prayers. She was obedient, too. She made sure jacob received the birthright. And then she goes to Issac to make sure Jacob marries a righteous woman. I like her because she is faithful, takes care of her children, and I like to think Issac loved her even more after his dim eyes were enlightened. To deceive for the love of the Lord, husband ,and child perfect.(I am not sure if the word is deceive.) Esau and Jacob normal siblings. I have an imperfect home and imperfect children in an imperfect world. And we love each other and strive to follow the commandments.Thank You. You have inspired me today.
-Karin C
Post a Comment