The family is not a product of sociology or evolution. The family is an institution of God. There is a war on the family today. In the Greek and Roman empires – when the family was done away with, society crumbled. To get the context for this passage, read Genesis 25:29-34 and Genesis 27:1-5.

1 – The failure of a dysfunctional family

There are four things to note:-.

• The sensual father – Isaac. He was given over to sensual things. He is trying to satisfy his appetite. Many fathers are like this. Thins like food, sex, sport, drink, etc.
• The scheming mother – Rebekah. She is not submissive to her husband. See Genesis 27:6-13. She is looking out for her favourite son. The birthright already belonged to Jacob. In the end her son ends up being driven away from her.
• The shady son – Jacob. Jacob wanted the right things but went about it in the wrong ways. Too many Christians are like this.
• The sorry brother – Esau. See Genesis 27:30-38. Esau lost his birthright and blessing. He had despised his birthright. He has remorse, rather than repentance.

2 – The faith of a disciplined father

God had not stopped working with Isaac. God discipline him and his faith grew as a result. It says in this passage in Hebrews that “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.” This “blessing” was more than a dying father expressing good-will unto his sons: it was extraordinary: Isaac spoke as a prophet to God, announcing the future of his posterity, and the varied portions each should receive. As the mouthpiece of Jehovah, he did, by the spirit of prophecy, announce beforehand what should be the particular estate of each of his two sons; and so his words have been fulfilled. Though parents today are not supernaturally endowed to foretell the future of their children, nevertheless, it is their duty and privilege to search the Scriptures and ascertain what promises God has left to the righteous and to their seed, and plead them before Him.

3 – The forecast of a determined future (Genesis 28:1-4)

God is never out of business! Man may rule but God will overrule! See Proverbs 19:2 & Psalm 33:10. This family did wrong but God is ruling over it all. It was by faith that Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau.

4 – Five points to note

• A dysfunctional family often produces dysfunctional children.
• A Father’s priorities often determine a family’s function.
• Parents have great power to bless and to curse.
• We cannot always choose for our children. They can be so different from their parents or each other. E.g. Jacob & Esau or Cain & Abel.
• Man’s failure cannot nullify God’s sovereignty.

Categories: Hebrews