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"...not of works but of Him who calls."

Text: Romans 9:11

WHERE HUMAN WISDOM FAILS

How we wish that God’s divine truths could be reasoned out, employing mere human reasoning! For example, it would be “simpler” to understand why Esau was not chosen. We could say that he had chosen to despise his birthright. We could also say that he showed very little spiritual inclinations.

However, if this is the line of reasoning, then Jacob must also be ruled out. He was guilty of defrauding his brother of his birthright. He had resorted to cunning and deceit to obtain his father’s blessing. Human reasoning can go so far and no more!

PROFOUND DIVINE TRUTHS

Paul stuck to divine truths revealed to him by God. He went on to write the following:

“It was said to her, ‘The older shall serve the younger.’
As it is written, ‘Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.'”
Romans 9:12-13

1. The common practice of primogeniture

a) This was the practice from ancient days- the younger must serve the elder.

b) The firstborn would inherit a double portion.

c) The firstborn would lead the tribe.

2. Contrary to this common practice

a) The older (Esau) will end up serving “the younger”.

b) Jacob would end up being the one who led the tribe of Abraham and Isaac.

3. A difficult phrase: “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated”

a) The words “loved” and “hatred” must not be understood in the usual way.

b) These words when used by God are devoid of any evil or unfair connotations.

c) God uses human language to communicate the following truths:-

i) God had chosen Jacob (Divine purpose) rather than Esau.

ii) God’s choice was independent of their actions.

iii) In choosing Jacob, He also “loved” him!