November 6, 2026

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“The Lord said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.’ When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb.” (Genesis 25.23-24)

REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

We are re-introduced to the “backwards” thinking which confounds the world in this story of Jacob and Esau. We have been taught about the priority of duty and responsibility falling to the eldest. In many ways, this is the way such things should be. We are talking about accountability and each of us should know our place in being responsible persons in the whole scope of a team be it family, work or some form of volunteerism. I would refer us all to the “Navy SEAL” paradigm for the order of operations. There are no useless members of a Navy SEAL team. Are their different ranks? Are their differing accountabilities? The answer would be “yes” to both of these questions. However, for the Navy SEAL, the mission objective is what drives the work of the team. Every member is accountable to the other to master their specialty within the mission. No one person can do everything. Everyone has their place and purpose. It is no different on God’s team on earth as it is in heaven. Nowhere do we see this truth revealed than in the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is without question “One God.” However, it is “One God” in three persons. Each “person” of God has their mission objective. They each know their place within the context of the reality of the overall reality of the Godhead. The world simply uses this complexity as a means of denying even the existence of the complete Godhead or any one or more persons. However, within the confines of the Kingdom of God on earth and in heaven, the alignment of our own relationship with God is critically tied to embracing the seemingly backwards understanding. Note: it is backwards to the world but not to the Kingdom. How God has designed the function and function-ability of all life is the norm and the proper order of creation. We can certainly see how the world wouldn’t understand it because it conflicts with what seems to be the natural order of things for those who do not possess the mind of God. Again, I would refer us to the teaching of Jesus at this point: “Who desires to be the greatest among you must become the servant of all.” (Matthew 20.26) and “Whoever desires to be first in the kingdom must become the last [and the servant of all.]” (Mark 9.35)

To the world this just doesn’t make sense. The world sees life in terms of power, prestige and survival of the fittest as the true priority of life and living. Of course, we all want to survive; but at what cost? If the only life we have is in terms of the world, then it would truly be a “dog eat dog” existence. However, in faith we know that this world is not our eternal home. Our eternal life is the guiding light to our earthly life. It isn’t the other way around. Similarly, too many people want God to conform to their understanding of scripture which thus reflects the priority of “self first and then others.” It is us who must conform to the true understanding of scripture which points always to the goodness and mercy of God for the quality of life that endures through all times, places and events. God sees the bigger picture and the true path by which that picture is realized as a vision fulfilled. This is God’s “mission objective.” So, for that Navy SEAL team, each person takes command of the mission when their skill-set objective is what comes next. They may be the lowest ranking member of the team, yet in that necessary moment, they are the designated leader and authority. The “first will be last and the last will be first.” Each takes their moment and lives it out fully. So, the “backwards” thinking, as the world might see it, is actually the functional norm. We do not necessarily have to understand it but should understand the faith perspective of what is the design for the greatest success. So, Jesus will pray in the Garden “…not My will but Yours be done.” The one who subjects Himself to the crucifixion as the perfect sacrifice and thus becomes the servant of all will in the time appointed for the “mission objective” become the Judge of all and the King of kings and Lord of lords.

We will address this “backward” reality presented in context with the birth of Jacob and Esau in the days to come. Consider, the older serving the younger in how many stories of the Old Testament and how we can benefit from a position of humbling ourselves before the Lord.

TODAYS’ PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:

Father, in these days we are finding the need to believe even more than ever before. We all have known trouble, some in greater ways than others, but You are offering us the assurance that we will not be consumed by it forever. Regardless of the “time” we are in and the “time” we have been given, we ask for Your Holy Spirit which Jesus asked You to share with us, to lead and guide and direct us in the paths we should go. Teach us what we still need to learn. Empower us to put that learning into action. Bless our actions not as a works righteousness endeavor, but as righteous works of faith, hope and love in Jesus’ name. AMEN.