Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1918-11-07

LESSON THKT-Geaesis H:n-3o.
GoI,DHN TExT-6peak every man
huh wtth his neAghbor.-Nphesians AS.
DgsvoTHoNAL Neutrality-suspicious.
l:26-&.
ADD1roNAL Acknowledgement n:
1-x; Prsvsrbs N:17-ss; zecharish s:ls-17;
Acf4 S:1-u.
/. issae's Purpose Regarding the
BlrthrIeht ella.
The infirnity 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 unfit
to be the head of the house which was
In line of the covenant blessing.
II. Rebekah's Scheme to Illustrate
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 1t was Gods will that Jacob
should have the birthright. but had no
scrupies as to what nethed should be
used In its accomplishment.
/. Rebekahs instructions to Jacob
ivy. 5-iO).
Il 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 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 Esaus raiment, and
places into his hands the food.
III. Jacob Deceves Esau wv. 1929.
l. Interview between Isaac and
Jacob wv. 1929.
The quickness with which the
savory meat was brought, aroused sus'
picion in the mind * Isaac. In order
to allay that suspicion Jacob deliber-
ately lied. He not cnly lied, but BIAS
phemed 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 he
was obliged to lie in order to cover
up his deceit.
2. The paternal blessing wv. 26-29).
1t embodied the following particu-
lars: "a A fertile sail and abundant
products ". 81. Man Is Dependent
upon GsA for me frsitaga Of the sail
Few stpp 10 consider taAoir obligation
to him fer teapera blessings. (2)
National pre-emineace w. 2o). Goo
1was to give him aHmerous. and pow
erfu1 offspring. This has in a largs
measure been fulfilled, but ia still
larger measure it remains to be full
flied. 90 Pre-eminence among his
kindred ". 2o). "The elder shall serve
the younger" a. 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.
w. Esau's Remorse wv. 30-36).
Scarcely had Isaac ceased blessing
Jacob till Esau came for the blessing
The secret was now out. Lying and
deceit cannot long be hid. In the face
Of what had been done, Isaac shakes
with fear. No doubt this is due to the
manifest presence of Jehovah. Esat
gives forth a terrible wall. While
shedding bitter tears of disappoint
nnent, he RACES with passion and plans
to murder Jacob after Isaae's death
This is a most bitter experience fol
Hsau, but he is merely reaping what
he sowed For q brief indulgence OF
his flesh he sold his birthrigdt. May
Esau's folly warn US of choosing flesh
ly indulgence rather than spiritu2
blessings. Whenever one turns from
the love of God to the qualification Of
worldly lusts. he is guilty of Esau'f
profanity.
Snurce of Power.