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Toldot "These are the generations"
6 NOV 2010
Gen 25:19 thru 28:9
Malachi 1:1 thru 2:7
Rom. 9:6-13
In the unfolding story of G-d's dealings with the
patriarchs and the house of Israel, we notice that Isaac does not have a
big heroic story for his life. Not much is mentioned of Isaac's
adventures compared with his father Abraham or his son Jacob. We know,
however, that G-d had a plan for him. Isaac was the willing potential
sacrifice of his father Abraham in Genesis chapter 22. The covenant of
G-d was passed down to his own son Jacob. G-d has a plan for each and
every one of us, even though we may not see ourselves as having an
important part in a great adventure, we are an integral part of G-d's
plan for mankind.
This Parasha, Torah portion, deals with G-d's sovereignty
over birth, His sovereignty over the land, and His sovereignty over
inheritance.
Chapter 25 gives the account of the birth of the twins,
Jacob and Esau. Like Abraham, Isaac had a marriage which was barren of
children. This caused him to seek G-d in prayer. Sometimes it appears
that G-d is not blessing, not providing what we think we should have. It
may be that the L-rd is using hardships in our lives to guide us and
direct us closer to Him and His will in our lives. Often, as we seek His
face during these urgent prayer times, we find relief from hardships.
G-d wants to bless us, He wants us to seek and trust Him. G-d told
Rebecca that she would have twins and the older would serve the younger.
This was G-d's plan in determining their roles on this earth. G-d is
sovereign over birth. He has a plan for us also. We should continuously
seek His direction. G-d will reveal His plan. We should be in agreement
with Him and not fight against His plan for our lives.
In chapter 26 Isaac lies to a king regarding his wife
Rebecca. He was afraid the king would kill him to take her, so he said
she was his sister. When the king found the truth he rebuked Isaac for
putting his kingdom in jeopardy before G-d. Sound familiar? Like
father-like son. We should speak truth before men, otherwise we could
bring great harm and calamity to those with whom we have relationships:
business, marriage, or otherwise. Trust G-d and speak forthrightly, do
not be fearful of men, fear only G- d.
Philistines were in charge of the land where Isaac dwelt
with his family. These heathen constantly harassed him. Whenever he dug
a well, they would fill it in. They wanted to push him out of the land.
Finally, because of G-d's sovereignty over the land, Isaac won the right
to the land by being a constant witness of G- d's might in his life.
This softened the hearts of the Philistines to him because of his G-dly
example. G- d's name was glorified. Our lives should be an example to an
evil and sinful world that they should desire G-d in their own lives and
turn in repentance towards Him.
Chapter 27 goes on with the deception of Isaac by Jacob,
to receive the blessings of the first born. Even though Jacob was
impatient and showed a lack of trust in G-d's promise, Isaac knew that
G-d had intended to pass the blessing through his son. Isaac did not
take back his blessing after discovering the truth, and even blessed
Esau. G-d's calling and blessing are sure. He will not withdraw them.
G-d is sovereign over the inheritance He gives. He will complete His
work within us and make us into the children of G-d that He wants in
order to bring glory and honor to Himself.
Most of us are just like Isaac: ordinary, G-d fearing,
seeking after the L-rd day by day. When Messiah Yeshua is the sovereign
L-rd of our lives, we have the power and ability to have great
adventures and be world-changers. We truly are an integral part of G-d's
plan for mankind.
Shalom U'Bracha
Rabbi Z
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