Genesis 27:18-25

2008.Aug.29 18:00

The Lie

Read Genesis 27:18-25 | Full Chapter

Jacob went to his father and said, "Father, here I am." "Which one of my sons are you?" his father asked. Jacob replied, "I am Esau, your first-born, and I have done what you told me. Please sit up and eat the meat I have brought. Then you can give me your blessing." Isaac asked, "My son, how did you find an animal so quickly?" "The LORD your God was kind to me," Jacob answered. "My son," Isaac said, "come closer, where I can touch you and find out if you really are Esau." Jacob went closer. His father touched him and said, "You sound like Jacob, but your hands feel hairy like Esau's." And so Isaac blessed Jacob, thinking he was Esau. Isaac asked, "Are you really my son Esau?" "Yes, I am," Jacob answered. So Isaac told him, "Serve me the wild meat, and I can give you my blessing." Jacob gave him some meat, and he ate it. He also gave him some wine, and he drank it.
(Genesis 27:18-25, CEV)

Me, I would’ve given up at “Which of my sons are you?” Not Jacob. No, he’s a persistant deceiver. Sort of a politician in training, right? Jacob’s repetition of the lie gives the idea that he almost believes it himself. There’s nothing honorable in this, just a lie for a blessing. If he wanted a blessing so bad, why not just ask God?

There’s the rub. If I really believe in an all-powerful and involved God, there’s no reason for me to seek gain by deceiving and/or hurting others. Either Yahweh will supply my need or he will give me an honest way to achieve whatever goal. Or, perhaps often, I overestimated my need.

But what’s up with Isaac? He keeps getting so close to figuring this out. I half want to think that he’s actually in on this deception too, perhaps that he and Rebekah planned it because neither wanted to give Esau the blessing. But again, there’s got to be a better way. It’s a “What does God need with a spaceship?” question. I’m happy for Yahweh to give me productive roles to play, but I don’t honestly believe it’s because he needs me to accomplish those things. Instead, I believe he gives me such roles because ultimately those activities make me more likable to him. If, in accomplishing a role, I do something that is contrary to Yahweh’s character, I’ve missed the boat.