You might have imagined that Abraham’s son, the one chosen to inherit it all, would have a boatload of children. God didn’t work it out that way. But Isaac had twins instead–in his 60s! Now that was a little younger than his own father was when Isaac was born, but that’s still up there in years. I try to imagine having two newborns in our house right now. I have long since given up the dream of having more children. I am not sure I’d have the energy (on my own that is – but God’s supply would be sufficient).
God has a way of equipping us for what we need. So many times we limit our own abilities and miss out on some fantastic opportunities. I think of my mom and how she preferred to stay at home. My dad wanted to go out and be social. He stayed home with her. How many memories were lost because they stayed “comfortable?”
Not that comfortable is bad, but if it holds us back from what God wants for us, then I want no part of it. If I believe my dream is too big, God tells me to dream bigger. Each day we write a new chapter in our own history books. Do you want yours to be the same old story, or do you want it to be an adventure, a romance, a comedy, or a combination?
At last Rebekah and Isaac have children. Twin sons, a gift from God. We see a bit of foreshadowing here as the twins were even rivals in the womb. It can be crowded in there for one child, imagine two or more. God had a message for Rebekah. “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.” That was some message.
As twins go, the span of being older and younger can be minutes, give or take. But only one can come out at time, and the first will be the oldest. In this case, Esau. I’m guessing these weren’t identical twins because Esau was born hairy, and the same is not mentioned for Jacob.
Do you know any twins? I have two sets of twin nephews on David’s side of the family, and it has always been a trick trying to tell them apart. They are different, yet so very much the same.
The idea of twins has always intrigued me. Recently I read an account of triplets who were separated at birth and adopted out. They were reunited in their late teen years. Imagine opening the door and seeing yourself looking at you! That’s crazy! And just this week, twin girls each gave birth to daughters within an hour or less of each other (in the same hospital). Now that is really doing things “together.”
God’s plan will continue to unfold as he promised Abraham. So, how will Esau and Jacob get on now they are outside the womb? We shall see in the upcoming readings. For today, let’s focus on how God can use us even when we don’t feel that usable.
Let’s pray. Lord, I come to you humbled. I bow down before you and know you are using me. Yet, I know not how it will all play out. What’s important, is that I get out of the way and let you lead. What you have planned for me is so much bigger than I could evet dream. Don’t let me limit myself. Use me and work in me to be the best I can be. I want to be still now to listen for you and your direction for my day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
