Each of Us: Genesis 25:22-28

Each of Us: Genesis 25:22-28

We are called to find value in all of God’s people and the many talents they bring.  It can be rather mindboggling to think of all the people in the world – including al the people who have ever lived – and then think that God loves them all.  It can be even more mindboggling to think God’s knows us all intimately.  Now consider that God can use all our talents.

Rebekah conceived, and the twins within struggled against one another.  The Hebrew word used in this passage is a strong expression, perhaps implying the struggle was more violent than normal.  The story is written to highlight the turmoil shared by the siblings.  This is not the case of twins who have an almost supernatural connection and empathy towards one another.  This is a story of twins in constant competition.

Esau becomes a skilled hunter and general outdoorsman.  He learns how to cook and prepare game well.  He is the apple of his father’s eye.  Esau is a man’s man.

Jacob preferred the quiet.  He dwelled in the tents.  Dwelling in tents exemplifies the nomadic lifestyle, honoring the tradition of Abraham and Isaac.  Dwelling in tents may mean Jacob made his money by trading and business rather than farming and hunting.  Dwelling in tents could imply Jacob preferred study and meditation to physical labor.

Either way, Jacob and Esau are on opposite sides of the spectrum.  While this helps to fuel the conflict between them, their parents don’t seem to help, either.  Isaac favors Esau because Esau is a simpler man with practical hobbies and motivations.  Rebekah prefers Jacob.  The Bible doesn’t indicate why she preferred Jacob, but it is likely Rebekah preferred Jacob because he was into life around the tents where Rebekah would have spent most of her time.

It’s possible Rebekah loved Jacob more because of the message she received from God.  God told Rebekah the younger son would be the dominate one.  That message, combined with the fact that Jacob was around the tents more often, would give Rebekah reason to prefer Jacob.

Most children are drawn to one parent over the other.  Some children have certain topics or situations for which they go to one parent and other situations where they go to the opposite parent.  These types of differentiation are common.  Trouble arises, though, when a parent shows preference towards one of their children.  When this happens, it enables certain unwanted behavior, promotes jealousy, arouses conflict, and brings hardship to the family.

God doesn’t call us to favoritism.  God sees promise in all of us.  We all have unique gifts and talents, and God sees worth in all of us.  He encourages us to find our calling and work to His glory in it.  It is not our place to find people like us and to celebrate the gifts of God we prefer.  We are called to find value in all of God’s people and the many talents they bring.