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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I bow my knee in worship before you, for you are the sovereign God. You said, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me…My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” (Isa 46:9–10). Your will was accomplished in Jacob’s life, in spite of both Isaac and Rebekah, and I praise you that your will is being done in my life as well. Today in Your Word Today you told me how Esau and Jacob grew into manhood. Sadly, Esau became a godless, profane man, who “sold his own birthright for a single meal” (Heb 12:16). His wives made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah (Gen 26:34–35). Isaac continued to serve you faithfully, but like his father, he allowed fear to overcome his faith and he deceived King Abimelech. Nevertheless, you blessed him, and he became so rich and powerful that he had to leave the Philistines. When the time came for Isaac to bless his sons, Rebekah conspired with Jacob to steal Esau’s blessing. Their scheme succeeded, and Jacob received the prophetic blessing of supremacy: “May peoples serve you…And may your mother’s sons bow down to you” (Gen 27:29). When Isaac realized he had been tricked, he did not curse Jacob; instead he acknowledged that although Jacob received the blessing through deception, it was his by divine purpose: “Yes, and he shall be blessed” (Gen 27:33). Esau pled with Isaac to change his mind, but Isaac refused. Esau was furious and plotted to kill Jacob as soon as Isaac died. Rebekah learned of Esau’s plan, and urged Jacob to flee to her brother Laban in Haran. Isaac blessed Jacob again before he left, and by faith he passed on the blessing which you had given to Abraham (Gen 28:4–5; Heb 11:20). Jacob journeyed to Haran, and you appeared to him on the way, confirming that you had chosen him as the one through whom your blessing would come (Gen 28:13–14). Jacob called the place Bethel (“house of God”) and promised to serve you if you would be with him. Reflection The author of Hebrews mentions Esau as an example of exchanging something of true value for the gratification of the moment (Heb 12:16). How often do I give in to the desires of the present, rather than keeping my eyes fixed on the future prize (cf. Heb 12:2)? Request Father, keep me from sacrificing the permanent on the altar of the immediate. Give me the grace to rest in your promises, your plans and your timing. Thanksgiving Jacob thought he was alone on the journey to Haran, but you were right there with him. Thank you for the precious gift of your Holy Spirit! He is always there to comfort and guide me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Day Had Softly Faded” by Fanny Crosby. Meditation Verse: Genesis 28:15.