Genesis Part 044

We are not responsible for the actions of others, but we are held responsible for our own and our reactions and responses to others. In Genesis 27, we come to the story of Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau, and Jacob stealing Esau's birthright. 

In Galatians 6:7 it says,

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” 

This word for “mocked” means “to turn up the nose or sneer at.” When someone behaves in a certain way, they will ultimately receive the same.  

This is an important principle to be remembered, and we can see it reflected in each of the lives of Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau. God is in full control. We should not be fooled into thinking that we can purposely disobey God and still reap blessings. Eventually, everyone sees the results in their lives of the choices they have made. When we do see difficult things in our lives, it is wise to step back and examine, “Could I be reaping something I sowed?" This should not be taken too far as to say that all trials are due to disobedience or as punishment by God, as He certainly allows trials in our lives to help us grow; however, as Christians, we should always be evaluating our lives and trying to align ourselves best with God. 

Rebekah had produced an elaborate plan to deceive her husband, Isaac, who was nearing death. She used deception and outright lies! We will see the impact that this deceptive plan had on Jacob and Rebekah for the rest of their lives. 

Later in his life Jacob meets his match when he becomes entangled with his Uncle Laban, who takes advantage of him at every turn for the better part of 20 years! Here in Genesis 26, Jacob deceives his blind father with a slain goat and a special coat. Later, Jacob is deceived by Laban when he is “blinded” by the darkness of his wedding tent, and then again later on by his own sons, who counterfeit the death of Jacob’s favorite son Joseph by using the blood of a slain goat and Joseph’s special coat. For more than 20 years, Jacob believed the terrible lie concocted by his own sons, that his dearly loved son was dead.  

Also notice Rebekah’s fateful words in Genesis 27:13, “Let your curse be on me.” Indeed, she would be cursed—for just as Isaac could not see his son, so Rebekah would never again see her beloved Jacob after he left for Padan Aram. Before Jacob’s return some 20 years later, Rebekah would die. 

This goes to show that reaping what we sow is a very real spiritual principle. And just as God did not completely remove the bitterness of the crop Jacob was to reap—even though Jacob finally repented and became converted—so God will not completely remove the bitterness of the crop we sow. The spiritual effects of our bad actions may be forgiven, but in the flesh, there will still be consequences. 

“Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God” (Romans 11:22). 

God is not mocked, sow good seed and reap the same. Sow bad seed and reap the same as well! 

Esau knew that he had sold his birthright, containing a double portion of inheritance and responsibility over the family. Yet in Gen 27:34 he cries out to his father Isaac, “Bless me—me also, O my father!” Does he think he can still get the blessing from his father as the firstborn, even though he sold it? After realizing he had been tricked, Isaac informs Esau that he has “blessed him [Jacob] and indeed he shall be blessed” (verse 33). 

In Hebrews 12:16-17, it states, 

“Lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears. 

The Greek word for “fornicator” here is “pornos” and it comes from a root word meaning “to sell” and it means “one who sells himself to others for prostitution.” Then the author of Hebrews uses “profane person.” This word in Greek is used for someone who cannot cross over the threshold of a temple or Holy place. They were to be denied access due to a state of being unacceptable. Esau sold his future, and his family's future, for a meal. Genesis 25:34 tells us that Esau “despised his birthright.” He did not value it at that moment in life the way he should have. He lived for the moment instead of wisely considering the future. Afterward, Esau wanted the blessing but was rejected. 

There is an incredible spiritual lesson here for all of us. We can give up our inheritance that God has promised us, by “selling ourselves” to the physical things of this world. If we do that, there comes a point at the end where we may really want our spiritual inheritance again, but it may be too late, and we can be denied just like Esau. Today is the day to rightly value and prioritize our spiritual inheritance. We should make whatever changes are necessary so that we are not crying in the end with no hope (Luke 13:27-28). 

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships, and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.