And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob (Genesis 25:28).
Isaac, the son and heir of Abraham had two sons-Esau and Jacob. Without any doubt, he loved both of them as a parent would love his children. But he had his preference. His affection was with Esau, over and above the regular parental love.
The Bible is very clear on the reason why. Isaac regularly ate the venison that Esau his son usually gave him. Isaac in his own words described this as “venison… savory meat, such as I love” (Genesis 27:4). Esau inistered regularly to his father, giving him something he loved to eat. And his father loved him. When you bless somebody regularly with what he or she loves, you promote the bond of affection between you and that person. It then becomes possible for you to receive the best that such person has to give.
If you never learnt anything from Esau before, learn this: minister to your father regularly, consistently, giving him the venison that he loves. You will promote the bond of affection between you both, and the soul of your father will bless you (Genesis 27:4).
Your father here, in the first instance, represents your biological parents. They brought you into this world, and most likely, raised you to maturity. You owe them honour. You owe them material blessings. You owe them sustenance, in their old age. When you give them these, regularly and consistently, you make it possible for God to bless you with
long life, and it shall be well with you on the face of the earth (Eph. 6:1-3). Moreover, what you do to your parents is a seed. Your own children will rise up and do the same to you in multiplied forms.
Jesus, while preaching on this, rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. The Pharisees taught their people to offer to God what they ought to have given to their parents. Wrong, Jesus screamed. They ought to have given unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s (Matt. 15:1-9).
Give to God His due. Give to your parents their dues. Neither should you disturb the other. And God will multiply His blessings upon your life. Your ‘father’ in the text of today can also be your pastor, your prophet, your spiritual leader who ministers the word of God to you regularly. It is scriptural to bless them with material things from time to time, as God provides for you (Gal. 6:6; 1 Cor. 9:7-12; Matthew 10:41). When you do it with joy, you become a partaker of the grace that is upon their lives, and God blesses you greatly (Phil. 4:13-19).
Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth (Eph. 6:2-3).
SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
MATTHEW 15:1-9
FOR FURTHER STUDIES
GENESIS 27
Confession for Today: I honour and bless my parents. The God of heaven will bless and honour me. My own children will bless and honour me.
PRAYER POINTS
- Give thanks to God for the life of your biological and spiritual parents.
- Ask the Lord to make you a comfort and a blessing to these your parents.
- Ask the Lord to provide for you so that you can bless your parents regularly.
Nations’ Watch: Pray for Bonaire