Daily Devotions
Genesis
"Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts." Romans 6:12
Text: Genesis 27:1-46
DESCENT FROM SPIRITUALITY TO CARNALITY
Isaac had at least two visitations from the Lord. He had also experienced many wonderful blessings in his life. These bolstered his faith significantly when he was a younger man. He had proven himself well. He stood firm and steady amidst danger. God was happy to bless this son of Abraham. In turn, Isaac worshipped the Lord in gratitude.
Sadly, in the evening years of his life, he showed signs of faltering. His focus apparently was more centered on things physical than on things spiritual.
“Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so
dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, ‘My son.’ And he answered him, ‘Here I am.’
Then he said, ‘Behold now, I am old. I do not know the day of
my death. Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver
and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me.
And make me savoury food, such as I love, and bring it to me
that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.'”
GENESIS 27:1-4
Old and Purblind
Age always takes its toll on the physical body. In Isaac’s case, his eyesight gave him problems. His mental faculties however seemed acute enough.
On the doorstep of death
Isaac was well aware that before too long, he would draw his last breath. What occupied his mind as he approached death? Sadly, it was not the Lord. Rather, it was food! Over the years he had acquired a taste for savoury food made from freshly killed game. His last request was carefully rehearsed. Of course, Esau listened most carefully to his father’s last request. He loved his father and he would do anything to please him.
“That my soul may bless you before I die”
The spiritual dimension in Isaac was not entirely extinguished. He still knew that he had one final duty to discharge before his soul forsook the body forever. He must give his patriarchal blessing to his favourite son.
THE ABSENCE OF JACOB
The absence of Jacob was most conspicuous. Where was he all this while? Isaac had nothing to ask from his younger son. The divide between father and son, Isaac and Jacob was starkly contrasted against the obviously close ties with Esau. The years had sped by, but the bond between Isaac and Jacob had not improved in any significant way! The spiritual vitality that was in Isaac had given way to carnality! That solemn reality certainly did not help the children to grow up with any great inclination to discover the faith of their father.