2 brothers, 2 choices, 2 destinies – Part 2    Genesis 32

What’s the best decision you have ever made? The thing that has been life changing for your choice of job, or spouse perhaps. Most of you are Christian; you would probably say, accepting Christ. But then let’s flip the question: what’s the worst decision you have ever made? The thing that you regret. Maybe it was recent, maybe it was years ago. Although we might think time heals, this decision was so life altering that you have real regrets; if you could go back in time, you would have done something completely differently. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

But the reality is some of those bad decisions, or things that you regret, have been used to give you wisdom; a time to learn and maybe instil in others. We have been going through Genesis in our readings and this is part 2 of “2 brothers, 2 choices, 2 destinies.” Part 1 considered Cain and Abel. Today, in part 2, we look at the twins of Jacob and Esau. Esau was the eldest; he therefore had the birthright: the lion’s share of land, inheritance, the name, etc.

This was fine because their father, Isaac, preferred Esau anyway. He was the manly man: he hunted game, a man of the field. But Jacob was more of a home body. He tended sheep, stayed near the tents, hung around mum, Rebekah and she preferred Jacob. It didn’t matter because Dad gave the blessing or otherwise.

The trouble with all of this is that God had said, “the older shall serve the younger.” (Genesis 25:23) Now, here’s a question I want you to contemplate. When considering the sovereignty of God, how much of the Lord’s blessing, or otherwise, is dependent upon our actions?

God had made the decree, but what did Esau do? He came in from the field one day, very hungry. Jacob was cooking some stew. Esau said, ‘Give me some stew.’ Jacob said, ‘Give me your birthright.’ He did so – for some stew. That was a decision that changed his destiny. But think about it from Esau’s point of view. He still wanted the blessing. He still wanted the father’s prayer. But what did he lack? He lacked faith. He actually didn’t believe that this thing would happen. But God honours words and agreements.

God had made a decree. Esau said some words that he didn’t really take to heart. But when the day of blessing from Dad came, what happened? He wanted it. Bad choice, bad decision, but still wanted the blessing. Aren’t we like that? We make some bad decisions, but we still want the blessing, the good stuff. Dads not at home spending time with their girls; then they date the wrong guys: why? bad example. Dads, spend time with your sons so they know how to act and what real faith looks like. Faith seen is faith believed! Especially when it comes to our kids and the next generation.

The day of blessing came – Rebekah, the boys’ mum, dressed up Jacob to pretend to be Esau - Isaac was blind by this stage. They deceived Isaac and Isaac gave Jacob the firstborn blessing. Was this God’s decree outworking or was it the choices of these 2 boys? The answer is both. Esau came in, found out what happened and wanted to kill his brother. Dishonesty, rebellion against God. God had a decree but the boys made their decisions. God is sovereign, but man is responsible.

Jacob had to learn the cost of deception and for 20 years was deceived by his uncle Laban as he ran away from his brother Esau. He escaped from Laban after 20 years, but on his way home he ran into…Esau.

We can run from our past, but never escape it. It must be dealt with. In the chapter we read this morning, Jacob was about to meet his brother Esau; but before he did, he had to wrestle with God. This is the same with us.

God has plans and promises for us, but we need to act in faith not the flesh. Esau was coming with 400 armed men. I believe Esau, at this point, still had murder in his heart. Only a miracle would save Jacob.

God in mercy met with Jacob – Jacob wrestled a blessing from God. God heard, but now Jacob walked with a limp. Walking with God means earthly strength is affected. No spiritual work is done in the flesh. We need to work in the Spirit, God softened Esau’s heart towards Jacob. Old wounds were healed and the brothers were restored. But it took 20 years to achieve.

The boys were reconciled, but one sought after God. Yes, God chose him, even as they were in the womb, but the men made their choices. Same with us - we make choices.

God loves us, He has called us. He has a plan and promises for us, but we need to make decisions and then act.

We need to act in faith 2 ways: individually and corporately as a church. Individually: acting in faith – ministry, using our gifts, making sure Christ is the centre of our family; and that the expression of that faith is seen corporately as a church.

God wants us to gather together, to use our gifts and to minister to others.

How will this happen?

Pastors and elders will have oversight over their own cell groups.

These groups will: 1. Look after hosting/welcoming care of the church 2. Pastoral care and cell groups. 3. Teaching and training. 4. Opportunities to serve in ministry Café, Kids Church, Friday night youth, Cell group home hosting, teaching ministry, etc.

The elders and pastors will approach you and you will be asked to attend a group. Why – to help you grow, to build the church and to continue to encourage you in these things. Jobs need to done around the place – plants watered, blower vaccing, mowing, church cleaning – eg. maintenance – boards put up – will be painted this week. But cleaning – cobwebs left on purpose to make a point.

God could fill the church, but he uses relationships to bring people in; welcome them and show the example of Christ. God can supernaturally clean the church, but He uses people to do it. God could supernaturally teach your children, but he uses you to do it.

We all need pastoral caring; a mid-week contact point, but this also covers pastoral care, training and discipling.

We are going to have some food and fun over lunch, but also organise into groups.

So, I would assume, even now, most of us can reflect back over the years and say that was a good decision or that was a bad decision, it cost me dearly – like Jacob and Esau. But we have the promises of God on our side. The question is, what decisions are we going to make from here? If you are a Christian, you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Saviour; you want to build what He wants, that’s the church; both using your gifts, making a choice and then playing a part.