Favouritism

 Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Genesis 25:28 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/gen.25.28.ESV

The Bible is an honest book. It describes its characters 'warts and all'. We see in the unfolding verses the damage this parental favouritism caused.

Isaac allowed his stomach to govern the fact he loved Esau most. Esau was a hunter who killed and no doubt cooked delicious food for his dad. God doesn't show favouritism though, and neither should we.

I find it revealing that Scripture doesn't give a reason for Rebekah's love of Jacob. Knowing what we do of him, he wasn't loveable, but was a sneaky deceiver. Maybe her memory of the prophecy God gave her that the elder would serve the younger inspired her to love her younger son more.

Even if God seems to favour Jacob, He doesn't. Jacob and Esau alike could have received of His love. Yet Esau we're told despised his birthright. He wasn't interested in divine blessings, and God hated that cavalier attitude. Jacob on the other hand found mercy and grace in God's eyes.

'Sovereign Father, we recognise You don't show favouritism, but we ask that You would help us to seek Your loving favour on our lives, because without You we can't do anything. In Jesus' name, amen'

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