Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebekah. His twin brother
Esau traded his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of soup. His rationale made
perfect sense to him. “If I don’t get something to eat, I’m going to die! Then
what good would my birthright be?” The pervasive aroma seeping from the soup
was too tempting to resist.
Have you ever acted impulsively and had
to live with never-ending regret? Jacob knew his brother, whom he feared
somewhat but evidently knew he could manipulate. Manipulating others is a skill
learned early in childhood. Siblings learn to manipulate each other sometimes with
the parent’s blessings, especially when it’s perceived as being creative.
Jacob used his creative abilities to persuade Esau to
trade his birthright for a quick meal, which was a dishonorable, unloving act. Jacob
saw his character flaw as a positive skill that gave him an advantage. Remember,
God does not close his eyes to sin, but will wait for sincere repentance and
change which builds a bridge to integrity.
