The Morgan County press. (Wartburg, Tenn.) 1916-1926, 1918-11-08


4:25-32.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Genesis H
1-45; Proverbs 12:17-2O; zechariah 8:l6-I7;
Acts 5:1-11.
/. Isaac's Purpose Regarding the
Birthright (27:1-4).
The infirmity Of old age reminded
Isaac that he should set his house IN
order. The particular matter needing
attention was the determination as to
who should be the head Of the house
when he was gone. AS to whether
Isaac. knew what God had told Re
bekah concerning Jacobs priority we
are not told (Gen. rs :23), but it is
evident that he lacked spiritual dis
cernment, being under the sway of his
appetite. Even though he was ignorant
of Gods plan as revealed to Rebekah,
Esau's action in marrying heather
women (Gen. 26; "a, 35), ought to have
convinced Isaac that Esau was unit
to be the head of the house which was
| in line of the covenant blessing.
IL. Rebekah's Scheme to Frustrate
Isaac's Plan wv. SID.
Having heard Isaac's instructions to
Esau, she took steps to divert the ia
theirs blessing from Esau to jacob.
She knew it was Gods will that Jacob
should have the birthright, but had no
scruples as to what method should be
used in it's accomplishment.
1. Rebekah's instructions to jacob
wv. 5-10).
She sent Jacob to bring two kids
from the goats, promising that she
would make savory meat, such as Isaac
loved. She knew that Isaac's weak
SPOT was his stomach.
2. Jacobs hesitancy wv. HID.
He foresaw the difficulty and danger
which confronted him. His hesitancy
was not because he had conscientious
scruples against doing the deed, but
was afraid Of being found out. Some
have a desire to do evil, but refrain
from it because they are afraid OF be-
ing caught. Rebekah undertakes to
bear the curse that may come, SO
Jacobs scruples are set aside. she
clothes him with Esau's raiment, and
places into his hands the food.
Ill. Jacob Deceives Esau wv. 1921.
1. Interview between Isaac ana
Jacob wv. 1929.
The quickness with which the
sayory meat was brought, aroused sus-
nicion in the mind of Isaac. In order
to allay that suspicion Jacob dellDer-
ately lied. He not only lied, but blas-
nhemed the name Of God in declaring
that his success was due to the help
of Jehovah. This lie is again repeat
ed when Isaac questions him further.
One lie calls for another. Having
started on the road of deception ne
was obliged to lie in order to cover
up his deceit.
2. The paternal blessing wv. 26-29)'
It embodied the following part1cu-
lars: ~ A fertile soil and abundant
nroducts ". 2S). Man is dependent
upon God for the fruitage of the soil.
Few stop to consider their obligation
TO him for temporal blessings. (2)
National pre-eminence ". 29). God
was to give him a numerous and pow
erful offspring. This has in a large
measure been fulfilled, but in still
larger measure it remains to be full
filed. (3) Pre-eminence among his
kindred ". 29). "The elder shall serve
the younger" az The object OF
Gods especial care ". 29). Being
Gods choice, God obligates himself
to care for him. Those who would
misuse Jacob would suffer; those who
would favor Jacob would be favored.
Those who are chosen of God enjoy
his special care, and woe be to him
who would dare to modest them. This
included temporal and spiritual bless
ings. Happy is he who enjoys the
friendship of God.
~. Esau's Remorse wv. 30-5S).
Scarcely had Isaac ceased blessing
Jacob till Esau came for the blessing.
The secret. was now out. Lying ana
deceit cannot long be hid. In the race
of what had been done, Isaac shakes
with fear. No doubt this is due to the
manifest presence of Jehovah. Esau
gives forth a terrible vail. WhlIe
Shedding bitter tears of disappoint-
ment. he RACES with passion and plans
70 murder Jacob after Isaac's death.
This is a most bitter experience for
Esau. but he is merely reaping what
he sowed. For a brief indulgence OF
his flesh he sold his birthright May
Esau's folly warn us of choosing flesh
" indulgence rather than spiritual
blessings. Whenever one turns from
the love Of God to the qualification OF
I gu rrfrf1tu of ECQu'E