Read: Genesis 25-26
Focus Verse: “The boys grew up, and Easu became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Easu, but Rebekah loved Jacob.” (Genesis 25:27-28).
Devotion: Easu was the son that the father loved. Easu was a hunter and Jacobs was a homebody, and his mothers favorite. It’s interesting it tells us that Issac, their father, loved wild game. There’s truth here that the parents ‘favorite’ is the child that they relate to best, or the child they see themselves in more. It’s not to say Isaac and Rebekah don’t love both sons, but it’s showing us even thousands of years ago how family dynamics are working. Parents show favorites. It happens. How do the kids respond? Jacob is always chasing after Easu. They are both very good at what they do, but Jacob feels he’s always competing with his older brother, and his dad’s favorite son, Easu. Why else would Easu getting married and having two wives cause Jacob grief (26:35)? He is competing with Easu, even if Easu doesn’t know it. Families are tough to navigate. We know Jacob will be renamed Israel, and become the father of 12 sons who are the 12 tribal leaders of Israel. Jacob is the one who will be remembered as a pillar in Israel’s history, and their founder. But here, as a child, he feels he’s constantly competing with his older brother, even though they each have their own unique path to walk. We each have a unique path to walk in Christ, and no two will be the same. We shouldn’t be discouraged when someone else’s story is different than ours. Let God show you the pat that has been prepared for you, that only you can walk.
Pray: LORD help me to see my path. Help me to not be discouraged or insecure when I see others stories. Instead, let me be encouraged knowing that we all have a unique journey with You as our leader. Help me keep perspective, God. Amen.
Additional scripture: “The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep His covenant and obey His demands.” (Psalm 25:10)