Two People/Two Nations

”The Lord said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated…” Genesis 25:23a

It’s kinda weird to think about, but we too have two people inside of us - our carnal nature and our spirit. The carnal nature is never full, never satisfied and never at rest. For Rebekah, she had two ‘kinds’ of boys in her womb. The one was going to be a wild man, a hunter, and the other would be more of a ‘momma’s boy’. Naturally, the older brother, being older, and ‘outdoorsy’, ruled over his younger, ‘indoorsy’ brother. But God was determined to show His power through the weak. Because of this, He spoke His word to Rebekah before the two were born:

SO SHE KNEW GOD’S PLAN…

”…The Lord said to her…, ‘One people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23b

Because of our parents, we are born sinful. We can’t help it - it’s Adam’s fault. Oh, but we ran with sin once we knew what it was, that is for sure. Because we are first born physical, it is the dominate or stronger force in us. Our reborn self is second, so it is younger and weaker. But God’s plan is for our spiritual life to eventually be stronger (Sanctification) than our physical desires. These are the two ‘nations’ at war within us, and a war we can never win without God’s promise and His power. This power and promise was clearly given to Rebekah regarding the boys in her womb. The older (of flesh) will serve the younger (of spirit). The same is true for us in our walk with God.

…SHE JUST NEEDED TO BE PATIENT.

”Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies.” Genesis 27:8-10

Rebekah knew God’s plan. Why then did she think she had to force the issue and deceive her husband and her eldest son in order to get what she wanted for her favorite son? She could have trusted God’s word and let His plan play out. Without all the baggage and hurt it caused. In fact, a real downside to her decision was Jacob had to ‘steal’ away from the family because Esau wanted to kill Jacob for his theft. Trying to do things in our way drives us away from everything that is important in life - God and family.