Jan.9 - Genesis 25 - 27

As Hamas and all the other Arabs shout their death wish to Israel, it's amazing to note that they are fighting against their ancestrial cousins!! When you read Genesis 25, you get a riveting understanding of how Israel and the Arab community actually began. Remember, God promised Abraham in Genesis 17:4, "I will make you the father of not just one nation, but a multitude of nations!"

Only in this chapter (25) do we begin to see how they are all one family tied to the same father. Eventually, as you read on, this once somewhat-happy family separates and begins to war against each other.
- Note Genesis 25:1-4 - Tells about Abraham's children through Keturah (Abraham's second wife after Sarah died). Most noted among the bunch is Midian, who is the father of the Midianites who fought ferociously against Israel. Notice how Abraham (in verse 6) gives all of his inheritance to Isaac and sends the other sons AWAY from Isaac.
- Next, you read of Ishmael's family (Genesis 25:12-18) - They primarily inhabit Northern Arabia.
- Finally, Isaac's family develops into the nation of Israel and eventually, some 600 years later, occupy the entire territory east of Egypt later known as the Promised Land.

Although God promises Abraham the land of Canaan, the only land he actually owned (paid for) was around the Cave of Machepelah where Sarah is buried.

Though Israel is God's chosen people, they are far from perfect! And they have a far-from-perfect beginning! Deception gets Abraham's family into trouble several times! Not only did Abraham tell a half-truth TWICE concerning his wife Sarah ("she's my sister") in order to spare his life as he traveled to new lands, but his children and grandchildren learned how to use it to their advantage as well. And, it got them into trouble!
- Genesis 25:27-34 - Jacob (Isaac's son) tricks his brother into gaining his birthright. Over a bowl of hot soup, Esau caves in and sells his birthright and blessing to Jacob. Jacob schemed this to his advantage! Remember, his name means "supplanter."
- Genesis 26:1-11 - Isaac pulls his father's old trick out of the bag and uses it! He tells the men of Gerar that Rebekah's his "sister". But, unlike Abraham who told a half-truth (since Sarah was his half-sister through the same father), Isaac just outright LIED.
- Genesis 27 - The entire story is a tragedy! Jacob lies to his father (of which was initiated by his mother) and pretends to be Esau. In turn, he steals Esau's blesssing and runs for the hills to escapte Esau's impending wrath!

It was tough for Isaac, one of the ancestrial fathers of Israel. Both he and his wife struggled over Esau's wives - "But Esau's wives made life miserable for Isaac and Rebekah." And, they struggled over the lie that caused Jacob to flee into a another country for many years!

As amazing as it sounds, the nation of Israel (God's chosen people) have never been perfect from day one. In spite of ourselves, God loves us and blesses us! What is also amazing about the Bible is that God never covers anything up! He tells the full story about those he blesses. He shows their strengths and their weaknesses. Reading these chapters can give us hope that, in spite of all our weaknesses, God loves us and can still use us in a mighty way!

Have a God-blessed day!