Genesis 27:43 Now then, my son, do what I say: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Harran.
Commentary says of this story: “In this tragic story, everyone lost.” This family seems monumentally dysfunctional. Each parent has their undisguised favorite, schemes to get their way. And Rebekah is successful in that her favorite gets the birthright (promised by God) and is sent away for his own safety (because he tricked his brother). Commentary said she probably never saw him again. What a victory.
Genesis 27:44 Stay with him for a while until your brother’s fury subsides.
When I think of childhood recollections of this family from Sunday School and Bible stories, none of this is what comes to mind. Isaac was faithful. Rebekah was kind. Esau was shifty. Jacob was triumphant. Clearly my memories don’t jive with the reality of their stories. But God is still sovereign, still king. His will is still accomplished, even though this family schemes and plans. Instead of a beacon of faithfulness, they feel like a cautionary tale.
Genesis 27:45 When your brother is no longer angry with you and forgets what you did to him, I’ll send word for you to come back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day?”
Precious Savior, It is easy to shake my head, wag my finger at the lengths this family goes to to get their way. However, if I’m honest, I know that I have little room for either as I can be just as bad. Help me, Jesus, to die to self, to put my selfish nature aside and instead to align myself so closely with You, to fill myself so full with Your spirit that there is no room for my fleshly foolishness. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 27:46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m disgusted with living because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a wife from among the women of this land, from Hittite women like these, my life will not be worth living.”
Have a blessed day.