God Uses People: Jacob

One of my friends from my early years in school was a red-headed boy named Mike.  Mike and I were pretty good friends, and we got along well – no arguments or fussing, as far as I can remember.  My family was relatively mild in behavior. Dad was a Deacon in our church, and my mother was the church organist. Still, Mike's family was different than mine!  His dad was a known 'fighter' in our small community and had several run-ins with the local police.  He was nice enough, but would grow violent quickly when tensions or disagreements arose.  This trait was passed down to Mike's older brother, who often got into fights after school!  As he got older, he had trouble in school because of his temper and violent tendencies. He dropped out before graduating.  Mike was a little gentler and slower to anger than his family. Still, he, too, developed a tendency towards violence and fighting with kids after school.  Eventually, we drifted away from each other, as our learned behaviors led us in different directions in life.  His family influenced him in one direction, and my family influenced me in another direction.         

 

That is a lesson we've all learned. If you teach your children to be violent and belligerent, they will turn out that way; if you teach your children to be peaceful and work together, that is the type of life they will choose.  Of course, there are exceptions to that rule, but generally speaking, that is how it is!

 

Interestingly, this is precisely what the scriptures teach.  The book of Genesis contains a story of Jacob, whose parents taught him to live in a particular way.  His name means ‘suppla't'e', which means he would ‘take t'e 'l'ce’ of another, through deceit and trickery.  Mom and Dad were good people, but Jacob, a moment-younger twin, was their favorite.  They did not teach him good behavior, but instead spoiled him.  As the boys aged, this behavior began to have serious implications.  For instance, one day, the older twin, Jacob, came in from a long hunt, starving!  Jacob had cooked a big pot of stew and worked out a trade with his brother: He would give Esau a bowl of hot stew, for the ‘birthright', that the 'older brother would receive at the appropriate time.  Esau, in a fit of hunger and not thinking, agreed, thinking that the birthright was worthless if he were to die of hunger.  Jacob worked a scheme on his older brother to get something for something for nothing.’  The steak was inexpensive, of course. Still, the birthright of a firstborn of a wealthy man such as their father, Isaac, was of profound value!  There would come a time when Esau would realize what Jacob had done, but it would be too late. 

Another time, Jacob's brother, when their father was near death.  Isaac called Esau to bring him a final meal, and he would give his ‘blessing’ to him. 'This was the firstborn Isaac's sce sce! Jacob’s mother overheard the conversation and devised a scheme for her favorite son, Jacob, to receive the blessing.  He dressed up and acted in a way that deceived Isaac, who gave him the blessing. When Esau discovered the deception, he was furious.  He swore he would someday kill his brother!

 

Jacob received Esau’s inheritance and fled his homeland to escape Esau.  He lived in fear and shame for many years because of the way he had received the blessings from his father and tricked his brother.  Finally, years later, they were able to make amends.  They both lived long and good lives. Jacob’s life was always troubled because he had followed the deceitful ways of his mother.

 

There is no better example of "We reap what we sow." Indeed, "Jacob's is spoken of to this day and teaches us the consequences of sinful behavior.

 

This is how the New Testament explains the principle:  “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, he will reap.  For the one who sows to his flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.”  Galatians 6:7-9

 

Let me encourage you to rise above any bad teachings or behaviors you may have picked up over the years!  Treat people well, and with grace.  Watch your tongue.  And, always, live in a way that honors the Christ who saved you.

 

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