Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
If you've tracked the stories and reflections this week, you might share my amazement at how often things go wrong as God's will is brought about. The human side of things is messy! Echoes of Genesis 3 are evident in this chapter as with those before it: God's purposes are accomplished, but not without significant pain.
The course was set in chapter 25 as each parent punts for a favourite child and Esau flippantly sells his birthright to his brother. Today’s highly emotive chapter documents the consequences — and how the prophecy of Genesis 25.23 is fulfilled.
There’s little to admire in how the characters behave. Isaac ignores the prophecy of chapter 25 and intends to give Esau the blessing of the firstborn. Esau, having sold his birthright, goes back on his oath. Rebekah devises a plot to deceive her husband and Jacob implements it. The chapter concludes with the breakdown of the family (verses 41–44).
Though it's easy to look at the players in the picture and see how they're all to blame, there's some small comfort to be taken in the fact that God doesn't require his people to be perfect before he uses them.
Have you written yourself off because you're all too aware of your failings and foibles? God uses who he chooses. Don't count yourself out.
Thank you God for the ways you invite us to be part of bringing about your plan for the earth, despite our imperfections. Help me to see how you want to use me — and to join in!
This reflection was written by Helen Crawford, Bible Society's Digital Bible Experience Manager
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