God’s blessing to Jacob

Jacob inherited God’s blessing to Abraham.

In Genesis 25 – 35, Isaac had to pass God’s blessing to one of his sons. Though he loved Esau, it’s Jacob that got it. God protected Jacob from dangers so that his descendants would continue multiplying and inherit the land God promised to Abraham, their ancestor.

God’s blessing to Abraham is specific and unique. It passed from Abraham to Isaac and then to Jacob. For every generation, only one son will have the honor to receive it. Which person can receive the special inheritance? This is not determined by the human father but by the heavenly father, the omniscient God. HE foretold Isaac’s conceived wife that “the older shall serve the younger.”

God knows which son is more suitable to be the heir. Esau (the elder) was too imprudent and unreliable as he sold his birthright to Jacob (the younger) for foods. He also took wives that ended up being a grief of mind to his parents.

Jacob is obedient to God and his parents. He worked hard with patience in serving Laban for his daughters and flocks. God bestowed him prosperity in terms of sons and flocks. In Genesis 32:22, Jacob demonstrated his toughness. God blessed him and gave him a new name, Israel.

God took care of Jacob, who had several life threats, by giving him instructions and be with him. For example, Jacob fled from his angry brother who lost the unique blessing, from Laban the exploiter after twenty years’ service, from the possible attacks due to his sons’ slain and plunder in the city that belonged to Hamor and Shechem. As others knew that God was with Jacob, they dared not pursue his sons. Instead of being perished, Jacob prospered exceedingly.

God guided and protected Jacob and his people in their journeys. Even so, Jacob and his people still had to follow God’s rules. Besides doing what God instructed, without hesitation and complaint, Jacob also instructed his household and all the people with him to put away the foreign gods among them and be purified.

Jacob kept the merits of his ancestors to qualify himself for the extraordinary inheritance. He proves that God’s grace is to HIS steadfast follower, the deserved ones only. We ought to learn from Jacob: listen to God and comply with HIS will, cherish HIS blessing, be a faithful and diligent servant; we may be qualified to be an heir to attain the unique blessing that comes from the new covenant through Christ.

Let’s pray to God:

Almighty God, praise to Your omnipotence, omniscience and authenticity to Your promises. Please guide us in our life journey so that we are not lost. Pray that we understand the importance of Your blessing and cherish it wholeheartedly. Kindly help us live righteously so that we could overcome all hardships and perils, and reach the Kingdom of God -- the inherited land You promised in the new covenant through Jesus Christ. Thanks for Your grace. Amen.