1/13/21

"And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days for mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob." (Genesis 27:41)
It's a story as old as this world, a family on the brink of destruction!
Isaac was a good man. He married the woman that God brought unto him. They loved each other, and cared for one another. He prayed for children, and God made it happen. Rebekah brought twin boys into this world.
From the birth, they were different from one another. Each was an individual. That's a good thing.
Esau was born first. He was red in color, and hairy all over. Jacob was born afterwards, and grabbed Esau's heel. He was named Jacob, meaning 'Supplanter, or Trickster'.
Esau was an outdoorsman, that enjoyed hunting and weapons. He was a rugged, manly man.
Jacob was a herder, and enjoyed caring for livestock. He liked to bottle-feed little orphaned lambs, and keeping the predators at bay.
But Jacob had a darker side. He was cunning, and deceitful. He liked taking advantage, and gaining from it.
People like Esau are sometimes too trusting, and easy-going. But, when they realize that they have been made a fool, they can become aggressive, and should be feared.
Esau had definitely been cheated by Jacob. And unlike his father, Isaac, he was not going to let it go!
In his heart, he said, "When my daddy has died, I will kill Jacob for what he has done!"
Why are families in so much trouble? Isaac and Rebekah were good people that knew the Lord, and served Him. But look at the mess they had.
The devil, from the beginning, has hated family. He concentrates his attacks on family. That is why it is essential for us to lead our families to the Lord, and encourage them to keep their eyes on Jesus. Remember that Peter could walk on the water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus!
Sadly, there is no easy fix to such problems. It is heart-breaking to see families in such trouble. I think about what a wonderful blessing a loving family is.
As you approach the Lord in prayer, never forget to pray for those you love. Ask for God's protection upon your family, and the family of all of your friends.
Be sure to pray for all of your family members to be saved! That is more vital than good health, or personal wealth.
And be good to each other! There are enough people out there trying to hurt your family. Don't hurt them, too. Lend a hand whenever you can, and lift them up rather than push them down.
Treasure the ones that you love, and work hard to keep your family together. Talk to God often about them.
From my heart to your heart.