Most commonly a crown is understood to designate a splendorous headpiece worn especially by a king or emperor. For example, the biblical King David praises the Lord for what He has done for him, saying:

You welcomed him with rich blessings
And placed a crown of pure gold on his head (Ps. 21:3).¹

Moreover, a crowned head was used in speaking of David’s splendorous royal crown (cf. Ps 132:17-18).

Nevertheless, the scriptures very often speak metaphorically of a crown worn on the head as a sign or symbol of honor, authority, or splendor (cf. Ps. 8:5). The psalmist of Psalms 65:11 points to “the crown of the year” in the natural world.

Metaphorically, the word crown often appears in the scriptural book of Proverbs. The author of Proverbs, traditionally understood as King Solomon (cf. I Kgs, 4:29-34; Pr. 1:1), was well known for his crowning wisdom. H. J. Austel writes, “Solomon’s wisdom was recognized to be greater than that of any other man.”² For example,1) a grand blessing is found in Proverbs 12:4 which declares, “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown”. 2) Proverbs 10:6 displays the good news that, “Blessings crown the head of the righteous”. 3) This is especially true of the spiritually wise person as stated in Proverbs 14:24: “The wealth of the wise is their crown.” 4) In Old Testament times it was emphasized that spiritual wisdom is that which is most needed --it is virtually a crown of proper living.

Proverbs also contains other metaphorical uses. Proverbs 16:31 speaks of gray hair as a “crown of splendor”, which is “obtained by a righteous life”. Yet this, is but an example of righteous living which, is best exemplified in Christ’s time of living on earth. Other proverbs use “crown” in other ways such as, grandchildren “are a crown to the aged” (Pr. 17:6). This is especially the case with a righteous family which lives with close familial ties. Proverbs 14:18 is of special interest for it underscores the high value of being spiritually prudent as being “crowned with knowledge”.

May the wisdom of the Psalms be utilized by God’s faithful followers. Such takes place with those whose humility is associated with righteous living. Indeed, God crowns the humble person with salvation (Ps. 149:4). Moreover, God is gracious to people who truly repent of their sinful ways, for then he “forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,” and “crowns you with love and compassion” (Ps. 103:3, 4b). May this be truly the case for all who live and trust in obedience to the Lord and his Word.

The above discussion is reminiscent of the words of John in the biblical account in Revelation (Rev. 14:14-16). There he tells of a vision speaking of the Son of Man wearing a crown of gold, which most logically speaks of Jesus Christ. Thus, John writes, “I looked and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.” (Rev. 14:14). Accordingly, Walvoord can write:

Though the one described is said to be like the son of man, it is probable that this none other than Christ Himself participating in the divine judgments of God upon a wicked world. This probability is reinforced by the golden crown speaking of His glorified state and His royal dignity.³

As the hymn writer expresses it:

Crown him with many crowns.
The Lamb upon His throne:
Hark! How the heav’nly anthem drowns
All music but its own!
Awake my soul and sing
Of Him who died for thee,
And hail him as thy matchless king
Thru‘ all eternity.⁴             

---

¹ All Scripture references are from the NIV.

² Hermann J. Austel in Richard D. Patterson and Hermann J. Austel, “1 and 2 Kings” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, ed. Frank E. Gabelein (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1988), IV:55.

³ John F. Walvoord, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”, (Chicago: Moody Press, 1966), 220-221.

⁴ George J. Elvey, “Crown Him with Many Crowns.”

This is the account of Isaac, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac. When Isaac was forty years old, he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan Aram and sister of Laban the Aramean. Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. But the children struggled inside her, and she said, “If it is going to be like this, I’m not so sure I want to be pregnant!” So she asked the Lord, and the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples will be separated from within you. One people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” When the time came for Rebekah to give birth, there were twins in her womb. The first came out reddish all over, like a hairy garment, so they named him Esau. When his brother came out with his hand clutching Esau’s heel, they named him Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when they were born. When the boys grew up, Esau became a skilled hunter, a man of the open fields, but Jacob was an even-tempered man, living in tents. Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for fresh game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.

Genesis 25:19-28 (NET)

In Genesis 12, God called Abraham out from the pagans of this world to begin a work of reconciliation. Through Abraham, God planned to bring forth a people named Israel—who would be the stewards of God’s temple and God’s Word. They were to be lights to the world who had rejected God. From this nation was to come the messiah—Jesus—who would die for the sins of the world, so that they might be saved and have a relationship with God. This promise passed from Abraham to his son, Isaac, and eventually to Isaac’s son, Jacob.

Jacob’s story is peculiar among the stories of biblical heroes. Though all of the biblical heroes had clay feet, as they failed and made mistakes, it seems that none failed as much as Jacob. He doesn’t seem like the right choice for God to begin a missionary nation through. It was not Abraham or Isaac who was the direct father of Israel, it was Jacob. He had twelve sons, from whom the twelve tribes of Israel originated. The climax of Jacob’s story is when he wrestles with God and God calls him Israel (Gen 32)—one who God commands or who prevails with God.

Throughout his narrative, he seems nothing like a hero, and in many ways, he appears to be a villain. He manipulates his brother, deceives his father and his father-in-law, and raises up ruthless children who murder the men of a village and sell their own brother into slavery. However, it’s with Jacob where we learn that God can redeem and change the worst of sinners—people like us. We are all part of God’s redemption story, where he is taking people from sinners to saints, from Jacobs to Israels. It is not a fast work but a calculated and slow one, as God is patient with our failures. As we study Jacob, we see ourselves—maybe even more so than with other biblical heroes.

F.B. Meyer said this about Jacob:

His failings speak to us. He takes advantage of his brother when hard pressed with hunger. He deceives his father. He meets Laban’s guile with guile. He thinks to buy himself out of his trouble with Esau. He mixes, in a terrible mingle-mangle, religion and worldly policy. His children grow up to hatred, violence, and murder. He cringes before the distant Egyptian governor, and sends him a present. Mean, crafty and weak, are the least terms we can apply to him. But, alas! Who is there that does not feel the germs of this harvest to be within…¹

Unlike many biblical heroes, we will learn more from Jacob’s failures than his successes. In addition, we learn a great deal about God and his redemptive grace, as we consider the depths of Jacob’s failures.

Here specifically in Jacob’s birth narrative, we see how God fulfills his promise to Isaac. God gives children to Isaac after years of waiting—continuing his original promise to Abraham to make him a great nation. From this, we learn principles about experiencing God’s promises.

We all have promises from God; many of them are made clear to us in the Scripture—some conditional and others unconditional. Second Peter 1:3-4 says:

I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence. Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire.

It’s been calculated that there are some 3,000 promises in Scripture—all given to us so that we can take part in the divine nature (become righteous) and escape the corruption of the world (separate from sin). In addition, God has given us many personal promises, which he reveals during our intimacy with him and confirms through our hearts and the validation of others. These personal promises may be for a career, a ministry, a family, a revival, or even for healing from some pain. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.” God prepared works for each one of us to accomplish, even before we were born. As we walk in him, he develops desires in our hearts and works in us to complete them (cf. Psalm 37:4).

How can we experience God’s promises as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did?

Big Question: What principles about experiencing God’s promises can we learn from Jacob’s birth narrative?

To Experience God’s Promises, We Must Be Willing to Wait

This is the account of Isaac, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac. When Isaac was forty years old, he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan Aram and sister of Laban the Aramean. Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.

Genesis 25:19-21

Since the narrative says Isaac was married at forty (v. 19) and had a child at sixty (v. 26), it is clear that Isaac and Rebekah waited twenty years to have children. Rebekah was barren, which would have been very hard on them for many reasons: (1) It was probably hard because of lofty expectations. Isaac, no doubt, had told Rebekah, God was going to make a great nation out of their seed and that their seed would be like the stars of the sky and the sands on the seashore. In fact, before Rebekah left her home to marry Isaac, her parents prayed that she would be the mother of thousands (Gen 24:60). So they probably had lofty expectations, which made the barrenness more difficult. They probably thought, “If we are going to fulfill God’s plan of forming a great nation, we have to start popping out kids!” (2) In addition, this waiting would have been hard simply because of cultural expectations. Women were expected to birth children in that culture—it was how the family name was carried on, how a work-force was developed, and how elderly parents were provided for in retirement. To not be able to have multiple children would have been very discouraging. A woman without children would have considered herself a failure. We saw this with Hannah, the mother of Samuel. Her infertility was a constant source of tension in her marriage (1 Sam 1). Thus, this waiting season would have been especially difficult for Isaac and Rebekah.

It must be known that waiting seasons are common when God is preparing somebody to experience his call and promises. With Joseph, he had a vision of his family bowing down before him, but soon after, he was sold into slavery and later went to prison. After all that, God exalted him to second in command in Egypt, where his family did eventually bow down before him. We also saw this with Moses. In the beginning, he killed an Egyptian, thinking that the people would be ready to follow him; however, it wasn’t God’s timing yet. Therefore, he escaped into the desert for forty years (cf. Stephen’s speech in Acts 7:23-29). There God humbled him, as he served as a shepherd. After those forty years, God called him to set Israel free. With Israel, after Moses delivered them from Egypt, God made them wait in the wilderness for over a year before allowing them to attempt to enter the promised land. Even Christ waited to fulfill God’s call. For thirty years, Scripture, for the most part, is silent about him. We don’t know much about his childhood and early manhood. However, at thirty years old, he approaches John the Baptist, is baptized, and the Holy Spirit comes upon him. Then, he waits for one more season in the wilderness, as he fasts for forty days and was tempted by the devil. It was then that the Holy Spirit came upon him in power, and he began his ministry. Even the Son of Man had to wait to fulfill God’s promise. God often sends his people into a waiting season before he fulfills his promises to them—the promise of a spouse, children, a ministry, or some great work.

Application Question: Why does God make his people wait before they experience many of his promises?

1. In the waiting season, God teaches us how weak we are.

With Abraham, his wife’s womb was dead. Only God could bring life to it. All of Abraham’s striving by marrying another woman only brought pain. Often young people who are waiting for God to bring them a mate, get tired and therefore go find “Mr. or Miss. Right Now” instead of “Mr. or Miss. Right.” In that season, they bring themselves heartache and pain. Sometimes, they create life-time consequences like Abraham. In the waiting season, God humbles his people to show them how weak they are. In the flesh, we cannot bring about his promises.

2. In the waiting season, God teaches us to trust and depend on him more.

As we are weaned off our flesh, we learn to trust God more. God’s power is made perfect in those who recognize their weakness and rely totally on him. Our weakness and dependency are fertile ground for God’s power. So much so, God often allows storms or trials to create the fertile ground in us, so he can use us more. When Paul understood this about his “thorn in the flesh,” he began to boast in his weaknesses, for when he was weak, then he was strong (2 Cor 12:9-10). He had learned to trust and depend on God more.

3. In the waiting season, God teaches us contentment.

Often what happens when God gives us a specific promise by placing desires in our hearts and confirming them through circumstances and others, the promise can become our focus and even our idol, as we think on it and pursue it more than God himself. Therefore, in the waiting season, we learn to be content with God alone—whether we ever experience the promise or not. In the waiting season, God cleanses us from idolatry and teaches us to be content with the Giver, even if we never experience the gift. Some promises that God gives us will be taken up by later generations, as we see with Abraham’s posterity. God may put the seed of revival in our hearts for a person, a church, or a city and we may only see it through eyes of faith. Though we participate in the labors for it, the fulfillment may await another generation. Sometimes, we sow, and others reap. Sometimes we get to do both.

The waiting season can be a blessed time, if we are faithful in it. When it seems like God isn’t working, he is working in us and those around us to eventually fulfill his promise. Are you willing to wait?

Application Question: In what ways has God made you wait for his promises in the past? What are some promises that God is calling you to wait on currently? What are some negative tendencies of people in God’s waiting seasons?

To Experience God’s Promises, We Must Persevere in Prayer

Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.

Genesis 25:21

We don’t know how long Isaac and Rebekah tried to have children; it could have been five years, ten years, or for the whole twenty. Either way, Isaac is to be commended for his response of praying. Many years earlier in Abraham’s waiting season, instead of praying and waiting, he married another woman—Hagar. His sin created two competing seeds—Isaac and Ishmael. The conflict between their people still exists today between the Jews and the Arabs.

As we consider this, it must be noted that we do not have to continue in the sins of our parents. Sadly, this is often exactly what happens. God declared that the sins of those who hate him will follow the children to the fourth generation (Ex 20:5). Frequently sins follow family lines—neglect of family for career, domestic abuse, addictions, marital unfaithfulness, divorce, witchcraft, etc. Sins tend to follow generations. However, it does not need to be this way. Isaac broke that trend. Instead of sinning against God in his waiting season, he instead committed himself to prayer.

This probably wasn’t a one-time prayer, but a fervent persevering prayer. Many of God’s promises don’t come without persevering prayer. In order for Isaac to receive the promise, he had to faithfully pray. Similarly, before Christ began his ministry, he spent forty days in fervent prayer and fasting. We need prayer to receive God’s promises.

Is God going to mightily use one’s church, heal one’s family, or bring revival to a city? It must come through persevering prayer. Christ taught us to ask and keep asking, seek and keep seeking, knock and keep knocking and God would answer our prayers (Matt 7:7-8 in the original Greek). In Luke 18, Christ gave his disciples a parable of a widow that continually came before a judge, seeking justice. Though her request was originally denied, she continued to petition the judge, and finally, he granted her request. Christ taught that in the same way, his disciples must pray and not faint (v. 1).

Are you praying or fainting? Without faithful prayer, we’ll often get discouraged or give up in waiting seasons and various trials. God’s promises come through prayer, but we must persevere in those prayers to experience them.

Application Question: Why is it hard to persevere in prayer? In what ways is God calling you to practice persevering prayer? What blessings have you already received through persevering prayer?

To Experience God’s Promises, We Must Expect Difficulties and Seek God’s Wisdom During Them

But the children struggled inside her, and she said, “If it is going to be like this, I’m not so sure I want to be pregnant!” So she asked the Lord, and the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples will be separated from within you. One people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”

Genesis 25:22-23

Often the mistake of God’s people when pursuing God’s promises is that they believe the answers or blessings will come without problems. That seems to be the situation with Rebekah. After she gets pregnant, she finds that her pregnancy is difficult. Verse 22 says, “the children struggled inside her.” The Hebrew word for “struggled” means “to crush or oppress.”² It was clear to Rebekah that something was wrong. She declared, “If it is going to be like this, I’m not sure I want to be pregnant!” The promise didn’t come in the way she expected.

As with Rebekah’s situation, God’s promises often come with pain—leading to disillusionment. We see this in his dealings with many others in the biblical narrative. After Abraham finally obeyed God and left his home for the promised land, he arrived, to find a famine there (Gen 12). In Abraham’s disillusionment, he left the promised land for Egypt, where he almost lost his wife to Pharaoh. Similarly, Joseph boasted about God’s promise of his family bowing down before him. However, soon after, he was sold into slavery and, later, became a prisoner. Scripture doesn’t tell us about Joseph’s thought process, but most likely it was disillusionment: “God, I thought you were about to exalt me! God, I thought you were going to use me! Why am I going through this?” To prepare Abraham and Joseph for their promises, they had to go through struggles and so did Rebekah.

Unlike Abraham, Rebekah didn’t rebel against God in the season of difficulty and disillusionment; instead, she drew near God. It says, “So she asked the Lord” (v. 23). We don’t know how she approached the Lord. Maybe, she sought a priest. Though Abraham was unique in that he worshiped the one true God in a time when the majority worshiped many gods, he wasn’t the only God follower. In Genesis 14, Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek who was the king of “Salem,” which would later become known as Jerusalem. Melchizedek was also a priest of God. Maybe, she sought the word of the Lord through a priest. Or, maybe, she simply built an altar and sacrificed to the Lord, as she sought his counsel. Either way, God spoke to her—revealing that there were twins inside her that would become two warring nations. Esau, the oldest, would become the nation of Edom, and Jacob would become Israel. Esau, and Edom, would ultimately submit to Jacob, and Israel (cf. 2 Chronicles 21:8).

Interestingly, Jewish legend says that Jacob and Esau were trying to kill each other in the womb—which obviously would play out in real life, both individually and nationally. Legend also said that every time Rebekah got near an idol, Esau got excited—representing his profane nature. Also, every time Rebekah got near an altar of God, Jacob got excited—representing his tendency towards God.³

Either way, if we are going to receive God’s promises, we must expect difficulties, and in the midst of them, we must seek the Lord and his wisdom like Rebekah did. Psalm 25:14 says, “The Lord’s loyal followers receive his guidance, and he reveals his covenantal demands to them.” God still speaks and reveals his will to his people today.

Application Question: How should we seek the Lord’s wisdom in the midst of our difficulties?

1. God’s wisdom comes through prayer.

In the context of believers going through trials, James said, “But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him” (1:5). In the midst of our trials, we must cry out to God for wisdom—for he gives it liberally to his children, just like any parent.

2. God’s wisdom comes through abiding in his Word.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illumine my path.” Rebekah didn’t have the benefit of God’s written Word, as there was none at that time. Therefore, God commonly spoke to people in more charismatic ways. God can still do that today, if he wants, but God’s primary way of speaking to us is through his completed Word, found in the Bible. His Word either tells us what to do (especially in moral situations) or gives us principles to apply. When we are in the Word, it’s like the lights are on. When we are not in God’s Word, it’s like trying to navigate life in darkness.

Are you living in God’s Word? Are you walking in the light?

3. God’s wisdom comes through the counsel of godly saints.

Proverbs 24:6 says, “for with guidance you wage your war, and with numerous advisers there is victory.” God has chosen to do his work on the earth through his body—the church. Often, he will guide us and speak to us through the counsel of godly saints. Therefore, when encountering family, health, or career issues, we should share with others in order to receive both prayer and counsel. Often God’s wisdom will be given through them. Therefore, we should listen intently for God’s voice when we seek their counsel.

Application Question: In what ways have you experienced difficulties while waiting on God’s promises? In what ways has God spoken to you in the midst of difficulties through times in prayer, God’s Word, and/or through the counsel of others?

To Experience God’s Promises, We Must Accept God’s Choice of Operating through Weakness

and the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples will be separated from within you. One people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”

Genesis 25:23

Interpretation Question: Why did God choose Jacob, the youngest, to receive the promise over Esau, the eldest?

Again, when Rebekah sought the Lord, he gave her a prophecy about the children’s futures. Two nations would come from them—Edom and Israel. In the same way that Edom would eventually serve Israel, Esau would serve Isaac. This did not fit cultural norms. Typically, the oldest son in the family would become the patriarch or chief, when the father died or no longer could lead the family. However, God said it would be different with them. This would be hard for a family to accept in that day, and this was true in the case of Isaac. As the story unfolds, regardless of the prophecy, Isaac decided that the blessing would still go to Esau, which caused conflict with Rebekah (cf. Gen 27).

In Romans 9, Paul spoke of God’s choosing Jacob over Esau, when describing God’s sovereignty in the election of those who will be saved. Consider what he said:

Not only that, but when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our ancestor Isaac—even before they were born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose in election would stand, not by works but by his calling)—it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger,” just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What shall we say then? Is there injustice with God? Absolutely not! For he says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then, it does not depend on human desire or exertion, but on God who shows mercy.

Romans 9:10-16

Paul quotes Malachi 1:2-3 where it says, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” Paul makes the argument that God chose Jacob not because of works or future works but so that God’s purpose in election might stand—meaning to demonstrate God’s sovereignty, his right to choose. Now, when God talks about loving Jacob and hating Esau, this did not mean that God literally hated Esau. This was a common Hebraism. Christ used it in Luke 14:26, when he said that anybody that comes after him must hate his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters. Are Christians supposed to hate their families? No! Christ simply meant that our affection for our families must pale in comparison to our affection for Christ. In the same way, the extent that God favored Jacob over Esau could be compared to hate. It must be noted that God was not condemning Esau to damnation or hell. His selection of Jacob had to do with receiving Abraham’s blessing, which included the messianic line—Christ would come through Jacob and not Esau.

Why did God choose Jacob over Esau? Again, it had nothing to do with merit or future merits, as they weren’t even born yet. It was based solely on God’s choice. However, his choice represents how God commonly operates with people. He commonly chooses the weak over the strong. We see this throughout Scripture. If we were going to choose somebody to become a great nation, why choose Abraham and Sarah who were barren or Isaac and Rebekah who had the same struggle? Wouldn’t we, at the minimum, pick a fertile couple to create a great nation? When God found somebody to lead Israel in conquering the Midianites, he found the guy who was hiding and threshing grain, Gideon. He didn’t find a great warrior or somebody who others would recognize as such. God commonly chooses the weak to fulfill his purposes. First Corinthians 1:26-29 says:

Think about the circumstances of your call, brothers and sisters. Not many were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position. But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, so that no one can boast in his presence.

God chooses the weak in order to glorify his name. He works through them in such a way that everyone knows that the work could have only been done through God. The strong are not weak enough to be used by him—they would boast in their family-background, finances, education, competency, etc.

Isaac showed great faith earlier in his narrative when it seems that he was willing to give his life on Abraham’s altar. In Genesis 22, we see no fight. He seems to be a Christ-like figure. In obedience to his father and in trust to God, he believed that the Lord would resurrect him (cf. Heb 11:17-19). Also, Isaac showed great faith in the beginning of this narrative, as he prayed, and God opened Rebekah’s womb. However, after the birth, as seen in the unfolding of the rest of the story, Isaac was unwilling to accept God’s sovereign right to choose Jacob over Esau (cf. Gen 27). Why? Esau was the obvious choice! He was the firstborn! He was strong and a hunter! Everybody would choose Esau! Isaac was a momma’s boy who liked to cook soup and stay at home. He probably had no hair on his chest and couldn’t grow a beard! He was the “weakling.” Even in the womb, though he fought to come out first, he lost—he was left grabbing his brother’s heal, eating his proverbial dust.

However, this is how God often works, and if we are going to see his promises fulfilled, we must accept it. Often when God decides to use us, he calls us to serve in areas of weakness where we don’t feel equipped. Like Moses, we cry, “Lord, I can’t speak! I can’t lead! You’ve got the wrong person!” However, when God calls, he typically calls the weak—asking them to step out in faith in their weakness. Moses could have missed God’s best if he had not accepted God’s sovereign right to call him to serve in his weakness. Sadly, in Jacob’s narrative, Isaac worked against God’s promise, as he later tried to select Esau for the blessing. Often, we do the same by not accepting God’s sovereignty.

Are you willing to accept God’s call, even though you feel too weak and incompetent? Are you willing to see others as God sees them and not the way the world classifies them based on their beauty, athletic ability, education, or socio-economic status? If not, we may fight against and potentially hinder the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Application Question: How should we apply this reality of our need to accept God’s sovereign right to choose the weak over the strong?

1. We must accept the fact that God may allow us to become weak or call us to work in an area of weakness in order to reveal his power in us.

With Paul, he had a thorn in the flesh—possibly some sickness. When he asked God to take it away, the Lord responded, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:8). God decided to not take away his thorn but instead to manifest power through Paul’s weakness. God may do the same with us—he may allow a trial, a sickness, or call us to serve in an area where we are weak. He does this, so he can empower us. He works more powerfully through weak vessels. We must be willing to accept this, if we are going to allow God to fulfill his promises and plans in us.

2. We must be careful to not misjudge others.

Again, God chose the youngest—not the oldest. He similarly chose David over his older brothers. His selections are not the obvious choices. Elijah was a mountain man who wore animal clothing and ate bugs. He lacked the high-level education of somebody who went to school in the capital, Jerusalem. He was not the obvious choice. Christ came from the ghetto (John 1:46), and Scripture seems to indicate that there was nothing attractive about him (Is 53:2)—nothing that would draw people to himself. Many of the disciples lacked formal education, as they were fishermen (Acts 4:13). Be careful to not misjudge others. In God’s economy, the first will be last and the last will be first (Matt 20:16)—the servant will be the greatest of all (Matt 23:11).

3. We must learn to humble ourselves so that God may lift us up.

He passes over the proud and self-confident and finds the humble—those who have a proper view of themselves in comparison to God. They see themselves as sinful, unwise, and weak. They are not like the Pharisees who saw themselves as righteous, wise, and strong. God opposes the proud and exalts the humble (James 4:6).

Are you willing to humble yourself—confessing your pride and weakness—so that God can use you?

Application Question: Why does God choose the weak instead of the strong? How have you experienced God using you or others in their weakness? What are your thoughts in regard to God’s sovereignty in the election of those who will be saved—apart from anything they have done, before the creation of the earth (cf. Rom 9:10-24, Eph 1:4-5, 1 Peter 1:1-2)?

To Experience God’s Promises, We Must Foster Healthy Relationships

When the time came for Rebekah to give birth, there were twins in her womb. The first came out reddish all over, like a hairy garment, so they named him Esau. When his brother came out with his hand clutching Esau’s heel, they named him Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when they were born. When the boys grew up, Esau became a skilled hunter, a man of the open fields, but Jacob was an even-tempered man, living in tents. Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for fresh game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.

Genesis 25:24-28

At birth, the first child was red and hairy. Therefore, they called him Esau, which meant hairy. This probably symbolized the vitality he would be known for. He would become a man’s man—a hunter. The youngest came out with smooth skin. Unlike Esau, the youngest would be a man of the home who did not prefer the outdoors. He came out holding Esau’s heel and was therefore called Jacob. The name originally meant “may God protect” but later developed the negative connotation of heal grabber or deceiver⁴—like a wrestler grabbing the heel of an opponent to trip him. Both aspects of this name were seen in Jacob; throughout his life God protected and blessed him, and yet Jacob also tried to work apart from God—deceiving others to gain his desires. Like an immature believer, he had strong swings between the spiritual and the carnal, the heavenly and the earthly.

Esau and Jacob’s time in the womb and birth was a prophetic picture of their lives and the people that would come from them. In fact, the foreboding picture continued in verse 28 when it says: “Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for fresh game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.” When the narrator, Moses, shared this, he was setting the stage for future conflict. Not only did these children battle in the womb, but their enmity was enhanced through their parents’ unwise displays of affections. Since the father enjoyed wild gamey food, he gravitated towards Esau—the hunter—and the mom gravitated towards Isaac, since he was a man of the house. It’s normal for people to gravitate towards those with similar interests; however, when this happens with parents and their children, it causes great conflict. Jacob would later commit the same sins of his parents, as he would love Joseph more than his other sons and therefore gave him a jacket of many colors. This created an animosity among the older brothers towards Joseph, and eventually, they sold him into slavery.

As mentioned, when Jacob and Rebekah played favorites, it not only provoked the sinful natures in their children but also threatened God’s promise. God’s promise was that through Jacob a great nation would come. However, the enmity and trickery between the brothers, incited by the parents, would later cause Esau to seek to kill Jacob (Gen 27:41). How Isaac and Rebekah related to their children threatened God’s promise of a great nation coming through Jacob. Similarly, how Jacob related to Joseph also threatened the promise over Joseph’s life. In both situations, God took the evil instigated through unwise parenting and used it for good.

It is no different for us. God’s plan for our lives will be fulfilled or hindered, in part, through our relationships with others. We are not a body unto ourselves, but only part of God’s body with which he fulfills his plans on the earth. An eye can’t say to the hand I don’t need you (1 Cor 12:21). We need each other. Therefore, we must foster healthy relationships with others.

Our relationships will either help us fulfill God’s promises or hinder us from fulfilling them. Solomon’s marriages to pagan women led him to worship idols and come under God’s discipline. Rehoboam’s ungodly friendships and their counsel led to the split of the Jewish kingdom. In contrast, the prophets Samuel and Nathan helped David fulfill God’s promise on his life. Elijah discipled and mentored Elisha. Christ mentored and developed the disciples. Consider the following verses:

The one who associates with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 13:20

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

1 Corinthians 15:33

Are your relationships with others helping you fulfill God’s promises or hindering them? Are there any relationships you need to change or let go of in order to fulfill God’s promises to you?

Isaac and Rebekah, though they loved their children, only caused discord between them and were a hindrance to God’s plans. Sadly, many delay or miss God’s best because of unhealthy relationships as well. Is God pleased with the relationships you are cultivating?

Application Question: Why are relationships so important in helping us fulfill God’s promises? How can they affect us both negatively and positively? In what ways is God calling you to pursue relationships with those experiencing God’s promises, so they can help you experience yours (cf. Prov 13:20, Eph 2:10)?

Conclusion

How can we experience God’s promises and not miss God’s best for our lives, families, churches, and communities?

1. To Experience God’s Promises, We Must Be Willing to Wait
2. To Experience God’s Promises, We Must Persevere in Prayer
3. To Experience God’s Promises, We Must Expect Difficulties and Seek God’s Wisdom During Them
4. To Experience God’s Promises, We Must Accept God’s Choice of Operating through Weakness
5. To Experience God’s Promises, We Must Foster Healthy Relationships

Copyright © 2018 Gregory Brown

Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added.

BTG Publishing all rights reserved.

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¹ Meyer, F.B.. Jacob: Wrestling with God (Kindle Locations 68-73). Kindle Edition.

² Wiersbe, W. W. (1997). Be authentic (p. 13). Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub.

³ Guzik, D. (2013). Genesis (Ge 25:19–26). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

⁴ Wiersbe, W. W. (1997). Be authentic (p. 14). Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub.

…Now Rebekah had been listening while Isaac spoke to his son Esau. When Esau went out to the open fields to hunt down some wild game and bring it back, Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Look, I overheard your father tell your brother Esau, ‘Bring me some wild game and prepare for me some tasty food. Then I will eat it and bless you in the presence of the Lord before I die.’ Now then, my son, do exactly what I tell you! Go to the flock and get me two of the best young goats. I’ll prepare them in a tasty way for your father, just the way he loves them. Then you will take it to your father. Thus he will eat it and bless you before he dies.” “But Esau my brother is a hairy man,” Jacob protested to his mother Rebekah, “and I have smooth skin! My father may touch me! Then he’ll think I’m mocking him and I’ll bring a curse on myself instead of a blessing.” So his mother told him, “Any curse against you will fall on me, my son! Just obey me! Go and get them for me!” So he went and got the goats and brought them to his mother. She prepared some tasty food, just the way his father loved it. Then Rebekah took her older son Esau’s best clothes, which she had with her in the house, and put them on her younger son Jacob. She put the skins of the young goats on his hands and the smooth part of his neck. Then she handed the tasty food and the bread she had made to her son Jacob. He went to his father and said, “My father!” Isaac replied, “Here I am. Which are you, my son?” Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau, your firstborn. I’ve done as you told me. Now sit up and eat some of my wild game so that you can bless me.” But Isaac asked his son, “How in the world did you find it so quickly, my son?” “Because the Lord your God brought it to me,” he replied. Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come closer so I can touch you, my son, and know for certain if you really are my son Esau.” So Jacob went over to his father Isaac, who felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s, but the hands are Esau’s.” He did not recognize him because his hands were hairy, like his brother Esau’s hands. So Isaac blessed Jacob. Then he asked, “Are you really my son Esau?” “I am,” Jacob replied. Isaac said, “Bring some of the wild game for me to eat, my son. Then I will bless you.” So Jacob brought it to him, and he ate it. He also brought him wine, and Isaac drank. Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come here and kiss me, my son.” So Jacob went over and kissed him. When Isaac caught the scent of his clothing, he blessed him…

Genesis 27 (NET)

What are signs of not trusting God? In one sense, not trusting God is the root of all sin. When Satan tempted Eve, he told her that God’s Word wasn’t trustworthy and that God was holding back the best from her. Consequently, when she doubted God, she ate of the tree.

In the same way, when we don’t trust God’s Word, his character, or his plan, we’ll be prone to sin and its various consequences. That’s what happens in the Genesis 27 narrative. We see Isaac, who doesn’t trust God’s plan to bless Jacob, choose to, instead, bless the oldest son, Esau. Rebekah and Isaac don’t trust God, who prophetically told them that Esau would serve Jacob, so they came up with a deceptive plan to secure the birthright. Esau, who seems like a victim, Scripture calls a godless man who despised his birthright (Heb 12:16)—he didn’t trust that God’s plan to bless Jacob was best. Nobody in this family trusted God, and therefore they hurt one another and themselves. Not trusting God always leads to harmful consequences.

However, trusting God always leads to blessings. Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV) says:

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says,

My blessing is on those people who trust in me, who put their confidence in me. They will be like a tree planted near a stream whose roots spread out toward the water. It has nothing to fear when the heat comes. Its leaves are always green. It has no need to be concerned in a year of drought. It does not stop bearing fruit.

God blesses those who trust him and disciplines those who don’t. In this narrative, we see God’s discipline, as the family experiences the terrible consequences of not trusting in God. In the end, we see Esau planning to kill Jacob and Jacob being estranged from his family for some twenty years (Gen 27:42-44). Not trusting God only leads to consequences both individually and corporately.

In this narrative, we’ll study signs of not trusting God—to discern if we don’t trust him, to inspire us to trust him more, and also to protect us from the harmful consequences of mistrust.

Big Question: In the Genesis 27 narrative, what are some signs (or consequences) of not trusting God, as displayed in Isaac’s family?

When We’re Not Trusting God, We’re Prone to Idolatry

When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he was almost blind, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son!” “Here I am!” Esau replied. Isaac said, “Since I am so old, I could die at any time. Therefore, take your weapons—your quiver and your bow—and go out into the open fields and hunt down some wild game for me. Then prepare for me some tasty food, the kind I love, and bring it to me. Then I will eat it so that I may bless you before I die…

Genesis 27:1-4

At this time, Isaac is about 137 years old.¹ He is bedridden, almost blind, and seems to have hearing loss (cf. Gen 27:22). Since Isaac believed that he would die soon, he decided to bless Esau, even though God had clearly chosen Jacob and made it clear through a prophecy. Though he thinks he is about to die, Isaac lives for another forty-three years (Gen 35:28).

As Isaac aged, his spirituality declined, as he developed idols in his heart that came before his relationship with God. His two idols were his firstborn, Esau, and comforts, like tasty food. Therefore, when Isaac was about to die, he asks Esau to prepare him a delicious dish.

What one thinks about or does before death often shows his or her priority. It’s interesting to consider that when David was about to die, he makes preparations to build God’s temple (1 Chr 22). When Paul was about to die, he asks for Timothy and Mark to come see him and bring scrolls so he can read God’s Word and write (2 Tim 4). However, when Isaac is about to die, he asks his son to bring him delicious food. This shows how consuming his love for food and comfort was.

However, Isaac is not the only one in this family with idols. Esau developed the same idolatry as Isaac; he loved creature-comforts, like food, more than God. Previously, he sold his birthright to gain a bowl of soup (Gen 25). In addition, Rebekah’s idol was her son, Jacob. In this narrative, she was willing to deceive her husband, estrange her oldest son, and even bare any potential curse on Jacob, in order that he would receive Isaac’s blessing. Finally, Jacob’s idol was the blessing, which he was willing to repeatedly deceive his father for.

This is common when we are not trusting God—our hearts will become idol factories. Many things, including good things, will take God’s place in our lives and the devotion that belongs to him—career, academics, family, sports, video games, coffee, etc. Many choose these over God, and therefore, God is neglected and often disobeyed.

Finishing Well

In addition, as we consider Isaac specifically, we must recognize how hard it is to finish our spiritual lives well. When Isaac was a boy, as much as we can discern, he was willing to die on Abraham’s altar because he believed God would raise him from the dead (cf. Gen 22, Heb 11:19). When his wife, Rebekah, couldn’t bear children, he prayed and she became pregnant (Gen 25). He was a man of great faith! But here at the end of his life, Isaac disregards God because of his love for his firstborn and creature-comforts. Sadly, this is common throughout biblical history. Many don’t finish well. The last we see of Noah, a great man of faith, is him being drunk, naked, and cursing his grandson, Canaan (Gen 9). Moses, who led Israel out of Egypt, dies outside the promised land (Deut 34). Demas, a missionary associate of Paul, left him and possibly Christ because he loved this present world (2 Tim 4:10). Many begin well but don’t finish well. Certainly, this must challenge us to be careful of anything that might slowly erode our faith—like the love of idols.

When we are not trusting and worshiping God, we will develop idols that pull us away from him and also hurt our relationships with others. What are your idols—what is keeping you away from giving time and devotion to God and loved ones?

Application Question: How can we tell when something is an idol in our life? What are your idols, which vie for your focus and affection? How is God calling you to deal with them, so that he might be first and everything else in its proper order?

When We’re Not Trusting God, We’re Prone to Anxiety and Haste

Now Rebekah had been listening while Isaac spoke to his son Esau. When Esau went out to the open fields to hunt down some wild game and bring it back, Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Look, I overheard your father tell your brother Esau, ‘Bring me some wild game and prepare for me some tasty food. Then I will eat it and bless you in the presence of the Lord before I die.’ Now then, my son, do exactly what I tell you! Go to the flock and get me two of the best young goats. I’ll prepare them in a tasty way for your father, just the way he loves them. Then you will take it to your father. Thus he will eat it and bless you before he dies.” “But Esau my brother is a hairy man,” Jacob protested to his mother Rebekah, “and I have smooth skin! My father may touch me! Then he’ll think I’m mocking him and I’ll bring a curse on myself instead of a blessing.” So his mother told him, “Any curse against you will fall on me, my son! Just obey me! Go and get them for me!”

Genesis 27:5-13

When Rebekah overhears Isaac’s plan to bless Esau, she creates a counter-plan. The fact that she comes up with this plan so fast, means she probably had already been contemplating it. Rebekah tells Jacob to go and get goats, so she can prepare tasty food and also for him to put on Esau’s best clothes. In addition, she clothes Jacob with goat hair in order to deceive Isaac. This section of the narrative is full of haste. In verse 9, she says, “Go to the flock.” In verse 13, she says “Go and get them for me!” Also, in verse 43, after finding out that Esau was planning to kill Jacob, Rebekah said, “Run away immediately to my brother Laban in Haran.” When Rebekah and Jacob were not trusting God, anxiety and haste manifested in their lives.

This is true for us, as well, when we’re not trusting God and instead operating in our own wisdom and strength. We’ll typically feel anxious and rushed. Our minds will keep us up late at night—playing various scenarios over and over. We will rush to graduate, rush to get a job, rush to get married, rush to make a decision, rush for this and rush for that. When our hearts are anxious, it typically leads to haste and bad decisions. Be careful of making decisions with an anxious heart—anxiety and haste are often signs of not being right with God. Also, when our desires are unfulfilled, anxiety leads to discouragement. Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down.”

This is not God’s plan for his people. Scripture commonly tells us to not be afraid and to be anxious for nothing (Is 41:10, 2 Tim 1:7, Phil 4:6). When we’re trusting God, typically, we will have his peace and not anxiety. Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart.” The phrase “be in control” can also be translated “decide.” It was used of an umpire in an athletic game. Christ’s peace or lack of peace should help us make decisions. Instead, many are ruled and guided by their anxieties and fears instead.

Application Question: How can we overcome our anxiety and sense of hurry?

Philippians 4:6-7 says,

Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

1. If we are going to overcome anxiety, we must recognize it as a sin. God has not given us a Spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-control (2 Tim 1:7). When we lack self-control and a sound mind, we must recognize that it’s not from God. We must discern its root and remove it.
2. If we are going to overcome anxiety, we must pray about every situation. We typically don’t do this. We sometimes pray when things are bad, but often not when things are good. We have to learn to live in an atmosphere of prayer. As a part of praying in everything, we must give thanks in everything and also present our requests to God in everything. To give thanks in everything is a step of faith. It means saying, “God, I trust you with this difficulty, even though it hurts, and I don’t understand.” Like Job, we must learn to say, “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. May the name of the Lord be blessed!” (Job 1:21).

When we do this, God promises to give us his peace. These are all things that Rebekah should have done. Instead of seeking to deceive her husband, she should have prayed to the Lord and sought his face. This is what she did when she was having a war in her belly with the two twins. She sought the Lord and he gave her a prophecy (Gen 25:22-23). Similarly, she should have prayed and then talked with her husband, and, if that didn’t work, she should have trusted that God would fulfill his plans, with or without Isaac’s blessing.

When we are not trusting God and instead trusting in ourselves, others, our job, or the economy, we will find ourselves often anxious and in a hurry. We must remember that God is our Shepherd and we will not be in want. Our Lord will guide us beside still waters, lead us into the right paths, protect us in the valley, anoint us with oil when we’re hurt, and allow our cups to overflow with things that bring joy (Ps 23). We don’t need a map when we have a guide. We don’t need to fight for ourselves, when vengeance is the Lord’s. He will take care of us and therefore we should accept his peace.

Are you living in peace or anxiety? When we’re not trusting him, we’ll lack peace and be full of anxiety and haste—leading to bad decision-making and discouragement.

Application Question: In what ways have you experienced anxiety and haste when not fully trusting God? How has that anxiety produced negative fruits, like bad decision-making and discouragement, in your life? In what ways is God calling you to seek his peace and allow it to rule in your life?

When We’re Not Trusting God, We’re Prone to Deception

Now Rebekah had been listening while Isaac spoke to his son Esau. When Esau went out to the open fields to hunt down some wild game and bring it back, Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Look, I overheard your father tell your brother Esau, ‘Bring me some wild game and prepare for me some tasty food. Then I will eat it and bless you in the presence of the Lord before I die.’ Now then, my son, do exactly what I tell you! Go to the flock and get me two of the best young goats. I’ll prepare them in a tasty way for your father, just the way he loves them. Then you will take it to your father. Thus he will eat it and bless you before he dies.” “But Esau my brother is a hairy man,” Jacob protested to his mother Rebekah, “and I have smooth skin! My father may touch me! Then he’ll think I’m mocking him and I’ll bring a curse on myself instead of a blessing.” So his mother told him, “Any curse against you will fall on me, my son! Just obey me! Go and get them for me!” So he went and got the goats and brought them to his mother. She prepared some tasty food, just the way his father loved it. Then Rebekah took her older son Esau’s best clothes, which she had with her in the house, and put them on her younger son Jacob. She put the skins of the young goats on his hands and the smooth part of his neck. Then she handed the tasty food and the bread she had made to her son Jacob. He went to his father and said, “My father!” Isaac replied, “Here I am. Which are you, my son?” Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau, your firstborn. I’ve done as you told me. Now sit up and eat some of my wild game so that you can bless me.” But Isaac asked his son, “How in the world did you find it so quickly, my son?” “Because the Lord your God brought it to me,” he replied. Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come closer so I can touch you, my son, and know for certain if you really are my son Esau.” So Jacob went over to his father Isaac, who felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s, but the hands are Esau’s.” He did not recognize him because his hands were hairy, like his brother Esau’s hands. So Isaac blessed Jacob. Then he asked, “Are you really my son Esau?” “I am,” Jacob replied. Isaac said, “Bring some of the wild game for me to eat, my son. Then I will bless you.” So Jacob brought it to him, and he ate it. He also brought him wine, and Isaac drank. Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come here and kiss me, my son.”

Genesis 27:5-26

Deception runs throughout this narrative. When Isaac tells Esau to go hunt and prepare some tasty food, so he could bless him, this was a form of deception. In those days, the passing on of the blessing and birthright was a big deal. It was typically a public affair where all the household would come, watch, and celebrate (see Gen 49). However, Isaac does it in secret because he knows Rebekah and Jacob will disapprove. The fact that this was done in secret shows that Isaac’s intentions were not fully honorable.

Also, there is deception when Rebekah hatches the plan to deceive her husband, and Jacob goes along with it. Jacob is dressed with Esau’s best clothes and the hair of goats, and given a goat meal to deceive Isaac. Jacob lies to his father three times: when he says that he is Esau (v. 19), when he says that he secured the game early because God blessed his hunt (v. 20), and when the father doubted because of his voice, Jacob again claimed to be Esau (v. 24). Finally, he sealed his lies with a kiss (v. 27). Often one lie leads to another and then another. In addition to Isaac’s, Rebekah’s, and Jacob’s deceptions, Esau was also being deceptive. He was breaking his deal with Jacob, who he had already promised the birthright.

When we are not trusting God and instead trusting in our own strength and wisdom, we are prone to bend the truth. When Abraham went to Egypt, he lied about his wife because he didn’t believe God would protect them (Gen 12). He did the same when he encountered Abimelech (Gen 20). In both circumstances, he lost his wife and then God delivers her. God cursed Pharaoh and Abimelech, who took Sarah as their own. Each time God showed Abraham, “You can trust me. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. I will be your shield and great reward!”

Like our spiritual patriarchs and matriarchs before us, we also tend to scheme and deceive others when we’re not trusting God. When we feel like we’re going to get in trouble, we lie or shade the truth to protect ourselves. Why? We do this because we don’t believe God will use our earned consequences for our best. When we feel like we’re going to fail a test, we’re tempted to cheat. Why? Because we don’t believe God will help us pass or redeem our failure for the good. With taxes or illegal downloads, we’re tempted to break the law. Why? We believe that the extra saved money is better than God’s pleasure and favor. When we don’t trust God, we’ll be tempted to deceive.

In addition, not only are we tempted to deceive others when we’re not trusting God, but we’re also prone to being deceived. Isaac’s family had developed some mystical understanding of Isaac’s blessing. Yes, technically, Isaac could pass on the leadership of his home to whomever he wanted. However, his prayer of blessing was only effective if it lined up with God’s Word. His prayer meant nothing unless it was in accord with God’s will (cf. 1 John 5:14-15). Isaac was deceived about this and so was Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau. Throughout this narrative, it is clear that only God’s will, will stand, not the deception and striving of people.

In the same way, when we’re not trusting in God, we’re prone to deception as well. When we don’t accept what God says about us, we’ll accept what Satan says, the world says, or ourselves—to our own demise. As we do so, we’ll find ourselves either prideful or discouraged. Often pride or insecurity come because we’ve rejected God’s Word and accepted the lies of the enemy.

In what ways are you deceiving others or being deceived instead of trusting God?

Application Question: In what ways is deception often rooted in not trusting God and his will for our lives? In what ways is telling the truth rooted in our trust for God? In what ways is God calling you to accept/practice truth and reject any form of deception?

When We’re Not Trusting God, God Will Discipline Us to Increase Our Trust of Him

Isaac had just finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had scarcely left his father’s presence, when his brother Esau returned from the hunt. He also prepared some tasty food and brought it to his father. Esau said to him, “My father, get up and eat some of your son’s wild game. Then you can bless me.” His father Isaac asked, “Who are you?” “I am your firstborn son,” he replied, “Esau!” Isaac began to shake violently and asked, “Then who else hunted game and brought it to me? I ate all of it just before you arrived, and I blessed him. He will indeed be blessed!”…

Genesis 27:30-46

After Isaac finishes blessing Jacob, Esau comes into the house seeking the blessing. Isaac starts violently shaking, and they both realize that Jacob had stolen the blessing. However, instead of reversing the blessing, Isaac strongly asserts that Jacob will be blessed (v. 33). He then gives Esau a blessing, which is really a nonblessing. When Jacob would receive the dew of the sky and the richness of the earth (v. 28), Esau’s blessing would be “away” from the dew of the sky and the richness of the earth (v. 39). History tells us Esau’s people, the Edomites, became desert-dwellers², who lived by the sword—meaning violence.³ Many people would serve Jacob including his brother (v. 29). This was fulfilled in the Davidic kingdom, as Israel ruled over many people groups including the Edomites. However, Isaac did prophesy that Esau would become restless and break Jacob’s yoke off of his neck. This eventually happened under Joram’s reign, where the Edomites won their freedom (2 Kings 8:20–22).⁴

Interestingly, regarding Isaac’s blessing on Jacob, we learn in the book of Hebrews that Isaac blessed Jacob by faith. Hebrews 11:20 says, “By faith also Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.” How was this by faith if he was deceived? It seems to be that after Isaac had his shaking and realized that he was deceived, he came to a spiritual revelation. He couldn’t contend with God. God’s will would be done—no matter what he did. Therefore, when Isaac said that Jacob would indeed receive all those blessings—that was spoken in faith (v. 33). And when he blessed Esau, he also spoke in faith (v. 39-40). God’s will would be done. Isaac couldn’t outwit God, and neither can we.

After all Isaac’s rebelling, God still won. God crushed Isaac’s idols. His oldest son would not rule—his youngest would. And, instead of receiving wild game, he got seasoned goat. Similarly, God destroyed the idols of Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau. Rebekah’s idol was her youngest, Jacob. After she hears that Esau wants to kill him, she sends him off to her family where he stays for twenty years (v. 42-46). Most likely, she never saw him again. God removed the rival in her heart to his glory. With Jacob, though he wanted to rule Esau, he spent twenty years serving his father-in-law, Laban, who deceived and mistreated him many times. Then when Jacob flees Laban, he is scared Esau will kill him. He offers him gifts, calls him Lord, and bows down to him (Gen 33). He didn’t rule his brother, in the way he hoped. God destroyed his idol. With Esau, he wanted the blessing, but God gave it to Jacob. This is what God will do to us when there are rivals in our hearts. Every son he loves, he disciplines (Heb 12:6). He does this to help us trust in him alone.

Psalm 39:11 (ESV) says: “When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah.” God will have no rivals before him. With Abraham, when Isaac became the focus of his heart, God asked Abraham to sacrifice him (Gen 22). In the same way, when comfort becomes our idol, God will remove it. When career becomes an idol, he will shake it. He consumes like a moth what is dear to us, until he is our all in all. As with Isaac, he will shake us until we are willing to submit to his will again. With the prodigal son, all his wealth and worldly joys were eventually taken away from him, so that he came to his senses and returned to the father’s house (Lk 15). God will allow the same to happen to us.

What are your idols? What are you trusting in other than God?

Application Question: Why does God allow us to go through trials/discipline (Heb 12:6-7)? In what ways have you experienced the discipline of God removing idols?

Conclusion

How can we know when we’re not trusting God? When we look at the story of Isaac’s family fighting over the birthright, we see the consequences and signs of not trusting God.

1. When We’re Not Trusting God, We’re Prone to Idolatry
2. When We’re Not Trusting God, We’re Prone to Anxiety and Haste
3. When We’re Not Trusting God, We’re Prone to Deception
4. When We’re Not Trusting God, God Will Discipline Us to Increase Our Trust of Him

Application Question: What sign of not trusting God spoke to you most and why? How is God calling you to grow in your trust for him?

Copyright © 2018 Gregory Brown

Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added.

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¹ Guzik, D. (2013). Genesis (Ge 27:1–4). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

² Guzik, D. (2013). Genesis (Ge 27:39–40). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

³ Hughes, R. K. (2004). Genesis: beginning and blessing (pp. 353–354). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

⁴ Wiersbe, W. W. (1997). Be authentic (pp. 29–30). Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub.

…Then Laban said to Jacob, “Should you work for me for nothing because you are my relative? Tell me what your wages should be.” (Now Laban had two daughters; the older one was named Leah, and the younger one Rachel. Leah’s eyes were tender, but Rachel had a lovely figure and beautiful appearance.) Since Jacob had fallen in love with Rachel, he said, “I’ll serve you seven years in exchange for your younger daughter Rachel.” Laban replied, “I’d rather give her to you than to another man. Stay with me.” So Jacob worked for seven years to acquire Rachel. But they seemed like only a few days to him because his love for her was so great. Finally Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my time of service is up. I want to have marital relations with her.” So Laban invited all the people of that place and prepared a feast. In the evening he brought his daughter Leah to Jacob, and Jacob had marital relations with her. (Laban gave his female servant Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her servant.) In the morning Jacob discovered it was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What in the world have you done to me! Didn’t I work for you in exchange for Rachel? Why have you tricked me?” “It is not our custom here,” Laban replied, “to give the younger daughter in marriage before the firstborn. Complete my older daughter’s bridal week. Then we will give you the younger one too, in exchange for seven more years of work.” Jacob did as Laban said. When Jacob completed Leah’s bridal week, Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. (Laban gave his female servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel to be her servant.) Jacob had marital relations with Rachel as well. He loved Rachel more than Leah, so he worked for Laban for seven more years.

Genesis 29:1-30 (NET)

When entering the military, soldiers have to go through basic training to orient them to military life. Sometimes it’s called boot camp. It’s often been said that when boys go through boot camp, they become men. In boot camp, the military aims to deliver one from being an individual to being part of a team, from being out of shape to being in shape, from being a civilian to becoming a war-fighter. It is an intense training where one is broken down physically and mentally, so one can be built up.

In the same way, when God prepares his warriors, he sends them through an intense training—a Divine boot camp. AW Tozer said it this way: “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” Christ said, “Every branch that bears fruit, God prunes so that it can bear more fruit” (John 15:2 paraphrase). When God is preparing somebody for a great task, he cuts them. He gets rid of things in their lives that would keep them from maximum fruitfulness. With Jacob, God had a lot of work to do. He was a manipulator; he trusted in himself and had low character. In this narrative, Jacob has been running for his life, as his older brother, Esau, is trying to kill him for taking his birthright. His father, Isaac, seems to have sent Jacob away alone and without money for his deceptive practices. He still received his father’s blessing and birthright, but that didn’t come without discipline. Isaac’s discipline was just part of how God was working to change Jacob’s character, so he could use him greatly.

The boot camp Jacob went through lasted some twenty years. Others may have longer boot camps or shorter ones. After God called Joseph, he spent around thirteen years as a servant and prisoner before God exalted him to second-in-command in Egypt. Moses spent forty years in the desert. Christ didn’t begin his ministry until he was thirty years old, after forty days of fasting and temptation. In God’s boot camp, there is no rush. He chisels and shapes a person until he or she is ready to be used—not beforehand.

In Genesis 29, Jacob arrives in Haran to seek a wife from Rebekah’s relative; however, while there he encounters hardship and difficulty—all meant, from God’s perspective, to develop his character. God was delivering him from being Jacob, the deceiver, to being Israel, the overcomer—the one who wrestles with God and prevails.

As we study this narrative, we will learn about how God equips those he will greatly use. In the military, typically, a person only goes through one boot camp, but in God’s economy, as we are fruitful, he often sends us back for further training—to further prune us to bear fruit (John 15:2). By understanding how God equips us in his boot camp, we will learn to identify training seasons, be more faithful in them, and better encourage others going through them.

Big Question: As discerned from Genesis 29, how does God equip his people through times of intense training—through a Divine boot camp?

In God’s Boot Camp, He Equips Believers Through His Word and His Promises

So Jacob moved on and came to the land of the eastern people.

Genesis 29:1

When Genesis 29:1 says, “Jacob moved on,” it can literally be translated “Jacob lifted up his feet.”¹ One Jewish commentator remarked, “His heart lifted up his feet.”² After receiving the promises of God and seeing the vision of the ladder with angels ascending and descending (Gen 28), Jacob was energized for his journey. He knew that wherever he went, the ladder went. God would never leave him nor forsake him. Before when he was running for his life, he was struggling with loneliness, shame, and fear; now, he was motivated by God’s promises.

It should be the same for us. In God’s boot camp, he teaches us to rely on God’s Word and his promises. Sometimes, it may even feel as though, God’s Word is all we have. Second Peter 1:4 says,

Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire.

These promises include such things as his empowerment, peace, guidance, and presence. Like Jacob, God will never leave us or forsake us. Arthur Pink said this:

And, reader, do not we need to be reminded that our Lord has promised, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end”? If our hearts drew from this cheering and inspiring promise the comfort and incentive, it is designed to convey, should not we “lift up” our feet as we journey through this world? Oh! It is unbelief, failure to rest upon the “exceeding great and precious promises” of our God, and forgetfulness that He is ever by our side, that makes our feet leaden and causes us to drag along so wearily.³

God’s Word and promises encourage us during desert seasons—times of intense training. They enable us to persevere and have joy in the storm. Joseph’s vision of his parents bowing down before him, no doubt, helped encourage him in the times of slavery and imprisonment. God was not done with him yet. Similarly, Jacob was about to enter a season where he reaped what he sowed. He was about to be deceived by his uncle, Laban, and become his servant for twenty years. However, it was God’s promises that would carry him through. Paul said something similar to Timothy: “I put this charge before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, in order that with such encouragement you may fight the good fight” (1 Tim 1:18). Through God’s promises and words over us, we also must fight the good fight.

Are you being motivated by God’s promises? Typically, in God’s boot camp, in order to stay faithful, we must live in Scripture; we must listen to it, memorize it, and quote it. Like Christ in the desert, we must fight off Satan and his lies with it. Before entering God’s boot camp, we may have neglected or taken God’s Word for granted. However, in God’s boot camp, we are trained to make it our life-line. Like Job in his trials, we learn to say, “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread” (Job 23:12 NIV).

Have you learned to treasure God’s Word and his promises? Are they your daily bread or your occasional snack? Are they your life or your hobby?

Application Question: In what ways has Scripture encouraged and strengthened you during certain seasons of your walk with God? Was there a certain event or events that helped you begin to love and treasure God’s Word more? If so, what happened? If you eventually lost your passion for God’s Word, what made you lose it?

In God’s Boot Camp, He Equips Believers Through Providential Circumstances

He saw in the field a well with three flocks of sheep lying beside it, because the flocks were watered from that well. Now a large stone covered the mouth of the well. When all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone off the mouth of the well and water the sheep. Then they would put the stone back in its place over the well’s mouth. Jacob asked them, “My brothers, where are you from?” They replied, “We’re from Haran.” So he said to them, “Do you know Laban, the grandson of Nahor?” “We know him,” they said. “Is he well?” Jacob asked. They replied, “He is well. Now look, here comes his daughter Rachel with the sheep.” Then Jacob said, “Since it is still the middle of the day, it is not time for the flocks to be gathered. You should water the sheep and then go and let them graze some more.” “We can’t,” they said, “until all the flocks are gathered and the stone is rolled off the mouth of the well. Then we water the sheep.” While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, for she was tending them. When Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of his uncle Laban, and the sheep of his uncle Laban, he went over and rolled the stone off the mouth of the well and watered the sheep of his uncle Laban. Then Jacob kissed Rachel and began to weep loudly. When Jacob explained to Rachel that he was a relative of her father and the son of Rebekah, she ran and told her father. When Laban heard this news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he rushed out to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban how he was related to him. Then Laban said to him, “You are indeed my own flesh and blood.” So Jacob stayed with him for a month.

Genesis 29:2-14

When Jacob first arrives in Haran, he encounters and questions shepherds, who were waiting at a well while supervising three flocks. Since there were no sign posts in those days, Jacob asked the shepherds where they were from and they said, “Haran.” Then, he asked them if they knew Laban, and they replied, “Yes.” He then asked if Laban was well. They replied, “He is” and then told him that Laban’s daughter Rachel was approaching the well with her sheep.

As Jacob went through this seemingly chance circumstance, his mind might have wondered back to how Isaac’s servant found Rebekah (Gen 24). Isaac’s servant came to Haran and also stopped at a well. There he prayed for God to lead him to the one Isaac would marry, and sure enough, God did. The first woman Isaac’s servant encountered at the well was Rebekah. Similarly, Jacob encounters a beautiful woman at the well, who just happens to come from the same family.

After Jacob sees Rachel on her way, he seemingly tries to get rid of the shepherds, so he could be alone with her. He essentially says to the shepherds, who were probably shepherd boys, “It’s not time to rest, water the sheep, and then go and graze.” However, they replied with the fact they had to wait until all the flocks were gathered. This was probably some type of community agreement in order to have an even distribution of water.⁴

When Rachel comes, Jacob moves the stone from the well, a herculean task, and waters her flock. He ignores the three flocks that were there first. After watering Rachel’s flock, he immediately kisses Rachel, weeps uncontrollably, and then introduces himself. It was normal for family members to greet one another with a kiss, but what made this strange was the fact that Jacob didn’t introduce himself first.⁵ He kissed her and then wept uncontrollably. Maybe, this was why he was trying to get rid of the shepherds. He knew that his emotions were about to spill out. He had been running for his life, encountered God on the way, and the Lord guided him right to his family and a woman he might potentially marry. It was too much for Jacob. He was experiencing God’s sovereign leading. God would surely be with him wherever he went and complete the promises made to him.

Now certainly, God is never mentioned in this passage. Unlike with Isaac’s servant, Jacob doesn’t stop at the well and pray for God’s guidance. However, God was clearly there—guiding his circumstances. He just “happened” to arrive at the same well that Laban’s flocks drank from. Rachel, the woman he would soon marry, just “happened” to be guiding the flock to the well, at the same time he was there. This was all part of God’s sovereignty, and it’s the same way in our lives. It is part of how God molds our character and helps us trust him more.

Ephesians 1:11 says God “accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will.” Certainly, we see this throughout Scripture. When Moses’ mother put him in the river, Pharaoh’s daughter just “happened” to be at the river that day, and she felt pity for Moses and took him as her child (Ex 2). Moses just “happened” to be saved from the slaughter Pharaoh ordered by becoming part of Pharaoh’s family. Obviously, there was no safer place in all of Egypt. Then Pharaoh’s daughter just “happened” to hire Moses’ real mother to breast feed him. Similarly, when the king of Persia had set a decree for the genocide of the Jews, it just so “happened” that the woman he married was a Jew named Esther. She eventually helps save the Jews and empower them to take vengeance on their enemies. In addition, when Ruth, the Moabitess, left her home and family to come to Israel, she just “happened” to pick grain in a relative’s field, who eventually marries her and cares for both Ruth and her mother-in-law.

God sovereignly guides the circumstances of his people for his glory and their character development. As part of Jacob’s training process, he was experiencing this. It is very easy to see why Jacob burst into tears—he was overwhelmed with the sovereignty of God. The one who controls all things was guiding his life and working all things for his good.

Again, God does the same with us. As imperfect as they may seem, the city we live in, the family we were born into, the school that we attended, and the job that we work at, are all part of God’s beautiful tapestry for our lives. In Psalm 139:16, David said: “Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.” There are no chance happenings for God’s people.

God uses the good, the bad, the mundane, the great, and the supernatural to shape his people. All are meant to draw us to himself and help us trust him more. Don’t miss God’s sovereign hand over your circumstances! Let them teach, shape, and encourage you!

Application Question: Share a time when you experienced God’s providence over your circumstances in a special way. In what ways did God’s providence affect you? How is God currently molding you through your circumstances?

In God’s Boot Camp, He Equips Believers Through Serving

When Jacob explained to Rachel that he was a relative of her father and the son of Rebekah, she ran and told her father. When Laban heard this news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he rushed out to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban how he was related to him. Then Laban said to him, “You are indeed my own flesh and blood.” So Jacob stayed with him for a month. Then Laban said to Jacob, “Should you work for me for nothing because you are my relative? Tell me what your wages should be.” (Now Laban had two daughters; the older one was named Leah, and the younger one Rachel. Leah’s eyes were tender, but Rachel had a lovely figure and beautiful appearance.) Since Jacob had fallen in love with Rachel, he said, “I’ll serve you seven years in exchange for your younger daughter Rachel.” Laban replied, “I’d rather give her to you than to another man. Stay with me.” So Jacob worked for seven years to acquire Rachel. But they seemed like only a few days to him because his love for her was so great.

Genesis 29:12-20

After Jacob shares with Rachel about God’s favor, she runs to tell her father, Laban. Laban comes, kisses Jacob, and then brings him to his house. There Jacobs shares his story.

How much did Jacob share? Did he share about his deception of Isaac or how he met with God at Bethel? It’s very possible that Jacob told him everything. Since Jacob was wealthy, it would be very strange for him to come alone and without money, especially if he was looking for a wife. So most likely, Jacob shared the whole story with Laban, and Laban became convinced that he was family. Laban replies, “You are indeed my own flesh and blood” (v. 14).

After Jacob had stayed a month, Laban said, “Should you work for me for nothing because you are my relative? Tell me what your wages should be” (v. 15). It is not clear if Jacob had been working already or not. It was customary for people to show hospitality for a few days, but a month was a long time.⁶ If Jacob was not working, Laban was saying, “Sorry, you are not going to free-load forever! You must work!” If Jacob had been working, Laban, being a shrewd businessman, was trying to guarantee that Jacob continued working by making a contract with him. Jacob, also a shrewd business man, asked to marry Rachel in exchange for seven years of work. The going dowry price was three to four years, so Jacob essentially offers a double dowry, and Laban agrees.⁷ Little did Jacob know that he would work for not only seven years, but fourteen years, during which he would earn two wives, plus room and board. He would work another six years after that, earning a regular wage—twenty years in total.

At this stage of God’s boot camp, Jacob was learning how to serve, and not just serve, but work hard at serving. Before this time, Jacob had probably never worked hard. He was the son of a large estate owner. Surely, he had worked before, but he typically had people work for him. Jacob knew how to be served but didn’t really know how to serve others—his life was about himself. This is what God was going to change in boot camp.

Servanthood is an important lesson that God instills in his trainees. It must be remembered that Moses served sheep for forty years. Joseph was a servant and prisoner for thirteen years. David cared for a tiny flock. In fact, Scripture says that when Christ came to the earth, he took the form of a slave (Phil 2:7)—not a master nor a king. Christ did not come to be served but to serve others (Matt 20:28). Therefore, those who will be like him must learn to serve as well. It is a natural work of the flesh to desire to be served and exalted. It is a work of the Spirit to humble oneself and desire for others to be exalted. John the Baptist said that he must decrease while Christ increased (John 3:30). John was simply a servant seeking for his master to be glorified.

In the same way, God prepares those he uses greatly by teaching them how to humbly serve others. Their service, at least initially, is often humble. It may be stacking chairs, doing paperwork, serving children, or doing some behind the scenes work. Sometimes, his people struggle with shock at the humble positions God places them in, but those positions contain great lessons for preparing his people for more. For it is only when we are faithful with little that God makes us faithful over much (cf. Lk 16:10, Matt 25:23).

Application Question: Why is serving others such an important lesson in God’s boot camp?

1. Through serving, we develop the heart and ethic of a servant.

Serving God is often a thankless job. It often doesn’t come with praise, adoration, or a high salary; in fact, it often comes with criticism and low wages, if any. The very congregation that Paul founded in Corinth doubted his apostleship. He wrote a whole letter to correct the Corinthians and defend himself in 2 Corinthians. Similarly, while Paul was imprisoned in Rome, people were preaching the gospel out of spite towards him—trying to make his situation worse (Phil 1:17).

This will be true for us as well. Unless, we learn to be servants, we will find ourselves disillusioned in the service of Christ. Consider that the disciples Christ served intimately for three years, eventually denied and betrayed him. The Jews, who Christ sacrificed for and preached to, eventually killed him. Being a servant is a hard job. Everybody likes the concept of serving, but nobody really likes being treated like a servant. It is easy to serve others when thanked, appreciated, and even compensated. But in this stage of God’s kingdom, it isn’t always like that. In fact, it’s often the opposite.

A real servant serves to obey his authorities and bless others. No praise is needed; faithfulness to the Master is enough. If God is going to use us greatly, he must develop the heart and ethic of a servant in us.

2. Through serving, we are prepared and promoted to leading others.

The greatest leaders were typically the greatest followers. Only through faithfully following others, do we learn how to treat and motivate those who will eventually follow us. As mentioned, as we’re faithful with little, God will make us faithful over much. Elisha washed the hands of Elijah, as his servant, before eventually taking his place (2 Kings 3:11). Nehemiah was a cup bearer to the king of Persia before he was the governor of Israel. Christ was a carpenter before he began his ministry. Now God has given him a name above all names, at which every knee will bow (Phil 2:6-11). God develops great leaders in the classroom of service.

Are you willing to serve others?

Application Question: What are some characteristics of good servants? Why is it important to learn how to serve before being placed into areas of leadership? What makes serving others difficult? In what ways is God calling you to humbly serve your church or community?

In God’s Boot Camp, He Equips Believers Through Difficult Relationships

Finally Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my time of service is up. I want to have marital relations with her.” So Laban invited all the people of that place and prepared a feast. In the evening he brought his daughter Leah to Jacob, and Jacob had marital relations with her. (Laban gave his female servant Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her servant.) In the morning Jacob discovered it was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What in the world have you done to me! Didn’t I work for you in exchange for Rachel? Why have you tricked me?” “It is not our custom here,” Laban replied, “to give the younger daughter in marriage before the firstborn. Complete my older daughter’s bridal week. Then we will give you the younger one too, in exchange for seven more years of work.” Jacob did as Laban said. When Jacob completed Leah’s bridal week, Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. (Laban gave his female servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel to be her servant.) Jacob had marital relations with Rachel as well. He loved Rachel more than Leah, so he worked for Laban for seven more years.

Genesis 29:21-30

Jacob worked for seven years for Rachel, but to him it only felt like a few days, because he loved her so much. Then, when it was time to marry, he approached Laban and said, “Give me my wife for my time of service is up” (v. 21). The fact that there was no “please,” or other pleasantries, implies that Laban was in no hurry to hand Rachel over—maybe he was even trying to delay it. However, Laban agrees and prepares a marriage feast. In the evening, though, Laban brought Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel. In the morning, after having relations with her, Jacob was shocked. He had been deceived by Laban and Leah.

How could Jacob not know it was Rachel? Well, similar to Jacob’s deception of Isaac, Leah probably wore Rachel’s clothes and perfume. It was dark, which made it difficult to see, and maybe Jacob had too much to drink at the celebration. Either way, Jacob had been hoodwinked. When Jacob approached Laban about this, Laban replied that it was not part of their custom to wed the youngest before the oldest. He told Jacob after fulfilling the marital week, he could then marry Rachel. In those days, the marital celebration lasted seven days. The first day was the banquet and the consummation of the marriage, and then the following six days, the married couple was treated as a king and queen. After that week, Jacob received Rachel but then had to work another seven years. Later the narrative tells us that after finishing those seven years, Jacob worked another six years, and throughout it, Laban changed Jacob’s wages several times. Eventually, both Jacob and his wives got so tired of Laban, they ran away in the middle of the night (Gen 31).

It must be noted that this is not uncommon in God’s boot camp. He often trains us through difficult relationships. When God called David to be king, he spent years in the service of King Saul, who was jealous of him and constantly tried to kill him. Eventually, David ran away. However, even while on the run, David always honored the king—calling him God’s anointed. He even executed the man that confessed to murdering Saul. God used Saul as sand paper on David’s life—smoothing out the rough edges. God will occasionally bring these people into our lives, as well. They might be a mom, a dad, a spouse, a sibling, a boss, a co-worker, a friend, etc. Our job is to love, honor, and serve them even as Jacob did with Laban, and as David did with Saul. We must love and honor them, even when they don’t love and honor us.

It must be remembered that God even placed Judas among Christ’s disciples. Though Judas was a devil and a thief, Christ still loved him and gave him chances to repent. Even amongst the church, God allows weeds to be planted and grow among the wheat. They will stay until the time of harvest, when the angels will throw them into the fire and take the wheat into the kingdom (Matt 13:36-43). The weeds have a purpose in God’s kingdom. God uses them to cultivate the character of the wheat. He develops in his saints, not only humility, but also all the fruits of the Spirit—patience, love, perseverance, self-control, joy, etc. One can’t learn patience without having difficult people in one’s life. We must make sure we respond the right way to these people. If we respond the right way, God will bless us—we will grow and become more useful to him. If we treat them the wrong way, God will discipline us, and we will repeat the test.

Steve Cole said this about our response to difficult people:

Don’t run from the difficult people in your life until God gives you the okay. If you’re married to the difficult person, God isn’t giving the okay! But with Jacob, the day came when God told him to leave Laban and return to Canaan. Then it was okay. Before then, Jacob would have been wrong to run. We all tend to run from the difficult people God puts in our lives to shape us. A teenager gets married to escape her difficult parents. Guess what? She marries a difficult husband! Or a teenager is fed up with his parents’ rules, so he joins the army. I’ve never been able to figure out that one! If you’ve got a difficult person in your life, rather than complaining about him and running from him, ask yourself what God is trying to teach you about yourself through this person.⁸

There may be a time to separate from them; however, we should seek the Lord’s guidance to discern when to do so. Until then, we must learn the lessons God wants to teach us through them—even if it is only perseverance. Perseverance leads to character and character leads to hope in God (Rom 5:3-4). Even the difficult person is part of God’s perfect work in our lives.

Application Question: In what ways has God used difficult relationships to help you grow and trust in God more? How should we respond in these difficult relationships, so that we may grow and that God may be pleased? How do we discern when it’s time to cut off a relationship or step away from it?

In God’s Boot Camp, He Equips Believers Through Experiencing Sin’s Consequences

Finally Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my time of service is up. I want to have marital relations with her.” So Laban invited all the people of that place and prepared a feast. In the evening he brought his daughter Leah to Jacob, and Jacob had marital relations with her. (Laban gave his female servant Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her servant.) In the morning Jacob discovered it was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What in the world have you done to me! Didn’t I work for you in exchange for Rachel? Why have you tricked me?” “It is not our custom here,” Laban replied, “to give the younger daughter in marriage before the firstborn. Complete my older daughter’s bridal week. Then we will give you the younger one too, in exchange for seven more years of work.” Jacob did as Laban said. When Jacob completed Leah’s bridal week, Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. (Laban gave his female servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel to be her servant.) Jacob had marital relations with Rachel as well. He loved Rachel more than Leah, so he worked for Laban for seven more years.

Genesis 29:21-30

As mentioned, after Jacob works for seven years for Rachel, Laban initially only gives him Leah and therefore tricks Jacob into working another seven years for Rachel. The parallels to Jacob’s deception of Isaac are hard to miss: Jacob was encouraged to deceive his father by his mother, Rebekah; Leah was encouraged to deceive Jacob by her father, Laban. Jacob tricked his father, Isaac; Jacob was tricked by his father-in-law, Laban. Jacob tricked his blind father; Jacob was tricked by Leah in the dark. Jacob swindled the firstborn’s birthright; Jacob was prohibited from marrying Rachel because of the firstborn’s rights. Jacob was reaping the consequences of his sin.

Scripture clearly teaches this as a universal principle. Galatians 6:7-8 says:

Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.

What a person sows, he will reap. Now this doesn’t mean that God doesn’t forgive us. He does. He forgave us judicially at the cross in Christ (Rom 5:1), and he forgives us from a familial stand point when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). However, most times, though God forgives us, he doesn’t remove the consequences of our sin. They remain as a warning to remind us to never compromise again. When David committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband, God said that David was forgiven and that he would not die, which was the civil consequence both for murder and adultery. But, because of David’s evil acts, the sword would never depart from his household. (1) First, his baby through Bathsheba would die. (2) His son Absalom would kill his brother, who previously raped Absalom’s sister. (3) Later, Absalom tried to kill his father, David. There were many consequences to David’s private sin—most of them were public. Every time David experienced the consequences of his sin, it reminded him that a person will reap what he sows. It was a constant reminder to guard himself because compromise ultimately leads to destruction.

God does the same with us. Yes, he forgives us; but sometimes, he allows us to experience the consequences of our cheating, lying, gossiping, lust, etc. The consequences ultimately remind us to never go down that path again, and they draw us near God, so we will not succumb to temptation again.

In Psalm 119:67, David said: “Before I was afflicted I used to stray off, but now I keep your instructions.” Proverbs 13:15 (KJV) says, “Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard.” Jacob’s way was hard—it was the consequence of his sin. When Israel didn’t believe God and failed to enter the promised land, their way was hard. They spent forty years in the wilderness, where most of them died. Certainly, God can redeem our hard paths and even shorten them, but we must be faithful in them to experience his grace.

When Jacob met Laban, the deceiver met his match. Jacob experienced what he had done to his father, and the consequences ultimately lasted a lifetime. Often God allows us to experience the consequences of our sin to train us as well. The seeds we sow will bear fruit—either to life or death.

Application Question: In what ways have you experienced the negative aspects of reaping what you sowed? How did the consequences change you? In what ways have you experienced God’s grace, by not experiencing the full consequences of what you deserved?

In God’s Boot Camp, He Equips Believers Through Experiencing God’s Grace

Throughout this whole ugly process, God’s grace shines through, even though we never see Jacob seeking the Lord. When Isaac’s servant went looking for a wife for his master, he began with prayer and then God confirmed who Isaac should marry (Gen 24). We don’t see Jacob praying about marrying Rachel. We don’t see him pray about whether he should accept a polygamous marriage with Leah. Later, Jacob also marries Rachel’s handmaid to produce more children, and then Leah’s handmaid to do the same. Ultimately, Jacob had thirteen children, including a daughter Dinah, and four wives. Though his marriages were built on deception instead of truth, polygamy instead of monogamy, prayerlessness instead of prayerfulness, God blessed them. From Jacob’s twelve sons came the twelve tribes of Israel. While working for Laban after the fourteen years, God prospered him financially; in fact, he became wealthier than Laban (31:1). God’s beautiful grace runs throughout this ugly narrative.

Even with Leah specifically, we see God’s unmerited favor. Verse 17 says her eyes were tender, either meaning that she had bad eyesight⁹ or that her eyes just weren’t attractive. In the ancient east, eyes with a sparkle or glow were prized.¹⁰ Obviously, Rachel’s eyes were beautiful while Leah’s weren’t. The text also says that Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah (v. 30). Jacob may have loved Leah; however, his love for her was far less than for Rachel. Despite the fact that Rachel was more beautiful and loved more, God chose to especially favor Leah. Through Leah came both Judah and Levi—the kingly tribe and the priestly tribe. From Judah, the messiah would ultimately come. Because of this, many commentators believe that Leah was the only one Jacob should have married.

Throughout this text, we see God’s grace on the undeserving. He blesses the deceiver by using Jacob’s unfortunate and ungodly circumstances for good. He also blesses the unloved by making Leah the grandmother of the messiah.

In God’s boot camp, we experience grace, often over our failures and that of others. Romans 2:4 says God’s kindness draws men to repentance. His mercy over our sin and light over our darkness transforms us and makes us more into his image. God vowed to fulfill his promises to Jacob (Gen 28), and therefore, God’s finger-prints are seen throughout Jacob’s boot camp story. They can be seen over our story as well—starting with our salvation (Eph 2:8-9) and continuing throughout our sanctification (Phil 2:12-13).

Our lives may experience times of intense darkness, but even amongst the darkness, there will be great light. Our Shepherd goes with us through the valley of shadows. His rod and staff comfort us. God’s grace will never leave us because God will never leave us. Thank you, Lord, for your amazing grace! Complete the work you began in us till the day of Christ (Phil 1:6)!

Application Question: In what ways does God’s kindness and grace often draw people to repentance? In what ways do people commonly take advantage of or despise God’s grace? How have you experienced special times of God’s grace (possibly through a person or over a circumstance), which especially helped shape your character and the direction of your life?

Conclusion

When God chooses to use somebody, like the military, he equips them in a boot camp. He aims to deliver them from selfishness to selflessness, from being unloving to being loving, from being impatient to being patient. He humbles them, so he can eventually exalt them. How does God equip his saints through his Divine boot camp?

1. In God’s Boot Camp, He Equips Believers Through His Word and His Promises
2. In God’s Boot Camp, He Equips Believers Through Providential Circumstances
3. In God’s Boot Camp, He Equips Believers Through Serving
4. In God’s Boot Camp, He Equips Believers Through Difficult Relationships
5. In God’s Boot Camp, He Equips Believers Through Experiencing Sin’s Consequences
6. In God’s Boot Camp, He Equips Believers Through Experiencing God’s Grace

Copyright © 2018 Gregory Brown

Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added.

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¹ Hughes, R. K. (2004). Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 366). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

² Pink, Arthur W.. Gleanings in Genesis (p. 310). Neeland Media LLC. Kindle Edition.

³ Pink, Arthur W.. Gleanings in Genesis (p. 310). Neeland Media LLC. Kindle Edition.

⁴ Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible – Genesis II.

⁵ Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible – Genesis II.

⁶ Getz, Gene. Men of Character: Jacob (Kindle Locations 1685-1689). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

⁷ Hughes, R. K. (2004). Genesis: beginning and blessing (pp. 368–369). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

⁸ Accessed 4/7/2018 from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-54-god-s-boot-camp-genesis-291-30

⁹ Guzik, D. (2013). Genesis (Ge 29:15–20). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

¹⁰ Hughes, R. K. (2004). Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 368). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.