Introduction

Good morning, Church family! Today we're diving into a story from the book of Genesis -- a drama packed episode that shows us the unstoppable blessing of God, the power of faithful obedience, and the jarring consequences of deception.

Our text today is Genesis 27:1-45, which tells us about Isaac, his sons Jacob and Esau, and the deception that changed everything. I bet some of you remember this one -- the stolen blessing, the trickery, the drama!

As we unpack this story, let's remember this quote from John Calvin: "However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts."

Let’s read the scripture now:

[Read passage]

Let's bow our heads for the opening prayer:

Father God, we come before you today with open hearts and minds, ready to learn from your word. As we delve into this story of blessings, obedience, and consequences, help us to see your hand at work, and to understand the lessons you have for us. Empower us to live in faithful obedience, and protect us from the temptation of deceit. We thank you for your unstoppable blessing and your boundless love. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Now, let's get into the meat of the matter.

The Unstoppable Blessing of God

In the story of Isaac, Jacob, and Esau, we see a profound demonstration of the unstoppable blessing of God. This is a theme that reverberates throughout the Bible, but in this particular narrative, it takes on a unique and compelling form. The blessing that Isaac bestows upon Jacob, even though it was obtained through deception, is irrevocable. It is a blessing that shapes the destiny of nations and echoes down the corridors of time, demonstrating the power and permanence of God's blessing.

Rooted in His divine will and purpose: When God decides to bless, no human action, no matter how deceitful or misguided, can thwart it. This is a comforting truth for us. It means that even when we mess up, even when we make mistakes, God's blessing remains. It is not contingent on our perfection, but on His faithfulness. In the story of Jacob and Esau, we see that even though Jacob deceives his father and brother, God's blessing upon him remains. This is not to condone Jacob's actions, but rather to highlight the unstoppable nature of God's blessing.

It’s transformative: It changes lives, shapes destinies, and impacts generations. The blessing that Jacob receives propels him into a future that he could not have imagined - one where he becomes the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. This shows us that God's blessing is not just about material prosperity or personal happiness. It is about being caught up in God's grand narrative of redemption and restoration. It is about playing a part in His kingdom purposes.

It’s generous: In the story, Isaac tells Jacob, "May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness—an abundance of grain and new wine." This is a picture of abundant provision, of a life marked by God's favor and goodness. It reminds us that God is not stingy or reluctant in His blessing. He delights in blessing His children and does so lavishly.

Not a license for us to act deceitfully or unethically, as Jacob did: God's blessing does not excuse our sin, but rather, it underscores God's grace. It shows us that God is a God of second chances, a God who can bring good out of even our worst mistakes. It invites us to live in a way that aligns with God's will and purpose, trusting that His blessing will follow.

In this light: the story of Jacob and Esau is not just an ancient tale of sibling rivalry and deception. It is a powerful illustration of the unstoppable blessing of God - a blessing that is rooted in His divine will, transformative in its impact, generous in its provision, and gracious in its persistence.

The Power of Faithful Obedience

The power of faithful obedience is not just about following God's commands, but also about trusting in His wisdom and His timing ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO