November 10, 2026

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob.” (Genesis 25.26a)

REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

Then came Jacob. For nine months, Jacob wrestled with Esau in their mother’s womb. Was it just “boys will be boys” that was happening or was their something more? Did they know there was already a contentious spirit between them as well as the Spirit of God within them? Was there a battle already brewing in that parenthetical “good versus evil” scenario that occurs throughout all creation? That is something we will never know. It is the stuff that stories are made of in a foreshadowing tale. What we do know is that their disruption for Rebekah caused her to inquire of the Lord. She asked of Him, “Why is this happening to me?” (Genesis 25.22) The Lord answered her with insight and foresight: “The Lord said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, [as] two peoples within you, they will be separated. One people will be stronger than the other and the older will serve the younger.’” (Genesis 25.23) Thus Rebekah knew that she would give birth to two babies and so she did when Isaac was sixty years old. The first born, Esau, we discussed yesterday. He was called Esau because he was hairy and ruddy in color. He reminded his father of the earth out of which all men came and the outdoors which he loved dearly. The name Esau means “hairy.”

His brother was soon to follow; there was no delay as we know happens with many twins at birth. Scripture tells us specifically that Jacob clung to Esau’s heel as if to pull him back into the womb so that he could be first. This sets up the dynamic of “first and last.” However, Jacob would not settle for last. He was, as if it was a conscious effort, determined to be first and take all the benefits that the world say belong to the firstborn. (I have already discussed this “backwards” paradigm last week’s reflection on the introduction to this story of the birth of the twins.) God’s kingdom does not absolutely refute this claim. What comes into dispute is when the claim is assumed to have priority over God’s sovereignty declaring “in this case, such would not be the case.” This is what we hear is a difference between the kingdom of humanity and the kingdom of God. What Jesus taught, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first” is the Kingdom paradigm. Obviously, we can see why that understanding doesn’t set well with the conventional wisdom of the world. We see it in action in the parable of the Prodigal Son where the oldest brother rebels against the father who accepted the younger son back with full standing. So, we have the battle of “who’s first” between the two brothers which is the beginning of a greater conflict between Esau “the hairy” and Jacob “the deceiver.” Yes, that is the meaning of the name Jacob: the deceiver or the heel-holder. What might the deception be? Most likely, in the context of this story, that he who is last will become first, so don’t be deceived when you hear otherwise. Of course, we know how the role of deceiver will play out as Jacob deceivers both his brother and his father to gain the birthright associated with the oldest brother’s line. (More of that tomorrow.)

Until then, let us consider how we may look at this lesson in context to the gospel and the Church of the first century and beyond. The elder brother, in this context, would be the Jews as descendants of Adam. Their signature is, of course, the Temple as a divine right of earthly sovereignty. Their claim to be sons of Abraham, the father of faith, flies in the face of the paradigm I have mentioned because the leadership of Israel created a type of caste system of who is a true Jew and who is not. Then comes Jesus who goes first to the Jews and being rebuffed shares the Kingdom good news with everyone else. The Church, as the newborn generation of believes, are justified by faith in Christ and not necessarily by faith in Abraham. Who then shall be first? It is not a question of male and female, rich or poor, Jew or Gentile, slave or free. It is a matter of fealty to God alone in the pattern of Christ Jesus who served His father and all people in faith, hope and righteousness which is without question the true representation of God’s love. Maintaining the position of servant of all brings about the greatest reward. The power and authority associated with that does not “Lord it over anyone” but directs all people to see God first and always. Let there be no deception! This is the message of the gospel promise of salvation and living out the truth of righteousness.

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.