Genesis 25:23: And the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.”
The story arc that begins with this verse and continues through chapter 33 describes many unlikely ways in which God blesses and prospers Jacob—often in spite of himself! For instance, according to the ancient law of primogeniture, Esau, Jacob's firstborn twin brother, should receive the birthright and blessing of his father, Isaac. But God has another plan, which the wily Jacob is more than eager to implement, however unwittingly.
Since God chose Jacob rather than Esau to carry forward his covenant promises through Abraham (see Genesis 12:2-3), why doesn't God simply enable Jacob to be born first? Wouldn't that have been far less trouble for everyone involved? Yes, but since when does our Father seem interested in sparing us, his chosen ones, from trouble? Moreover, how often do we look back on this trouble and think, "While I hated it at the time, I now see that it was good for me"?
One of the most harmful sins I commit is comparing myself with others—in my case often people I work with on my job and in ministry—and believing that I'm not getting what I need from them. Or, indeed, that they are standing in the way of something I need. Success is a zero-sum game, I fear, and there's only so much of it to go around. (Again, I'm not proud of this; it's a sin to feel this way!)
To say the least, this scripture says otherwise. If God wants me to have something, he will ensure that I have it. No one and nothing—not the will of man or even powerful institutions—can impede God's sovereign choices. And because I am in Christ, I can be sure that what God chooses for me will always be in my best interest.
So God is saying to me, through today's scripture, "Trust me, Darrin! Don't be afraid that I'm giving you anything other than what is best for you at this and every other moment! No one and nothing can stand in the way of the blessing with which I want to bless you. No one and nothing can prevent you from receiving my very best for you!"
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