Nancy Taylor Tate
It has been on my heart for some time to write about the approbation and favor of God. It was through the story of Jacob and Esau that my own life was greatly impacted as I came to understand the importance of valuing the blessing of God through my choices.
The Scripture tells us that the Lord loved Jacob, but He hated Esau (Romans 9:13). Have you ever thought about that?
There is a contrast in the way these brothers responded to pressure.
Esau, under pressure, chose to satisfy his flesh. He had been out hunting and was very hungry. When he returned home, he smelled the delicious soup that Jacob was making, and his desire for food was stirred up. Under that intense desire for food, Esau chose to sell his birthright for a bowl of soup (Genesis 25:28–34).
By way of contrast, Jacob, when he was under pressure, chose the blessing of God over all his possessions and even his own life (Genesis 32:1–30).
Jacob had deceived their father into giving him Esau’s blessing, then he fled from his brother’s wrath, lest he kill him. Jacob served his uncle Laban for twenty years. Though his uncle deceived him and treated him poorly, God blessed Jacob. Increasing tensions with Laban caused Jacob to decide to return to his own homeland with his wives and everything he owned (Genesis 29–31).
As he traveled toward home, a report came that Esau was coming with four hundred men. Jacob did not know if Esau still wanted to kill him or if he was coming in peace (Genesis 32:6; 33:1).
Jacob, being a schemer, sent gifts to Esau, then devised a plan where he could save himself and those things that he treasured most, if his brother still wanted to kill him. Then he went across the brook to pray, there encountering an angel who he wrestled with.
It was at the break of dawn, right when Jacob needed to see what was happening, that the angel said, “Let me go, for the day breaketh.” Jacob could have said, “Okay, I’ll wrestle with you later. I need to see what is happening and may need to run for my life.” But instead he said, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26).
Under that intense pressure, Jacob chose the blessing of God over everything he owned, even his own life. And God blessed him!
Our problems are not too hard for God!
Jacob was a deceiver and a schemer. Yet because of his heart toward Him, God changed his name from Jacob (deceiver) to Israel:
“Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Genesis 32:28
Because of Jacob’s heart toward God, God was able to work within his life, changing his nature, and he was changed! He had favor with God and favor with man. Esau received Jacob in peace, and they were reconciled.
The approbation and favor of God! It is available if we will but choose His blessing.
“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” Proverbs 8:17
We had a little puppy, Nutmeg, who just absolutely loved people. When people saw how much she loved them, they would be pleased. With big smiles, they would love her back.
May we love like that little puppy.
Loving God first and foremost, then expressing His love to others is the simplicity of the Gospel that God calls us to live in. It’s a place where the favor of God can rest over our lives. I wouldn’t trade His favor for anything in this world.
May the Lord bless you today as never before. In every choice you make, may you please the heart of our heavenly Father. And may you always recognize and value His blessing over your life.