Genesis 25:27-28 When the boys grew up, Esau was a skilful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. Isaac loved Esau, because he was fond of game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Stephen Colbert is one of my favorite comedians. Not one of my favorite parenting experts. But in a chapter of his book on parenting he recommends that all parents should have a favorite child, and they should tell their children they have a favorite. But they shouldn't say which one. This keeps the kids guessing. Again... not probably the best parenting advice, but pretty funny in my opinion. Maybe Isaac and Rebekah should have been a little more secretive about their favorites. Maybe then Esau and Jacob wouldn't have grown up to rival one another so much, and lots of problems later could have been avoided.
In this week of family gatherings, we all know that the "Hallmark" picture of family gatherings isn't always true. Sometimes there are forced smiles, subjects to be avoided, or people to be outright ignored. One reason Jacob and Esau had so many problems later in life is that they got confused: they thought that their parents favor equaled God's favor, that God loved them the most. So remember this week: God sent His Son for everyone. For you and for me. And for your crazy Uncle Buck. All the same.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
If this Christmas season is one marked by sadness and mourning for you, gather with others for our Blue Christmas worship service tonight (Monday) at 7 pm.
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