Two Nations, Two People

Genesis 25: 21-26

“21 Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife because she was barren, and the Lord granted his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. 22 The children struggled together within her, and she said, “If it is to be this way, why do I live?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 And the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other; the elder shall serve the younger.” 24 When her time to give birth was at hand, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first came out red, all his body like a hairy mantle, so they named him Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out, with his hand gripping Esau’s heel, so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.”

Our second granddaughter was born this past fourteen months after our first granddaughter.  They look almost like twins.  But I can see differences between them already.

Isaac and Rebekah’s children were struggling against each other even in the womb. Even though they were twins, they did not look alike or act alike. One would be stronger, and one would serve the other.  

When Jacob and Esau were born, the nations of Israel and Edom were born.  Israel and Edom would be enemies for centuries until the Edomites were defeated by King Saul in the 11th century B.C.

In the world today differences still exist between nations.  But Christ came to proclaim and establish the Kingdom of God in and among all people. 

Paul wrote that in Christ “There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

We are all one in Christ.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)