Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 26:34 through all the following chapter, Genesis Chapter 27, which covers Esau’s relationship with his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, and the “stolen blessing” obtained by Jacob from his father Isaac, through the instigation of his mother Rebekah, at the end of the life of Isaac when Isaac could not see whom he was blessing. Here is a link to Genesis Chapter 27 – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2027&version=NASB
I will quote Genesis 26:34-35 and the key verse for today’s Scripture.
“When Esau was forty years old he married Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite; and they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah.” Genesis 26:34-35.
“Isaac said to his son (Jacob), “How is it that you have it so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because the Lord your God caused it to happen to me.” Genesis 27:20.
———————
We don’t think much of the actions of anyone in today’s Scripture.
Esau and his wife “brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah.”
Rebekah instigated the deception by Jacob.
Jacob carried out the deception.
Isaac was negligent in blessing the “wrong” person. (“Wrong” from Isaac’s viewpoint in that Isaac blessed the person that he did not intend to bless and “trembled violently” because of that mistake; but right from God’s viewpoint in that Isaac blessed the person whom God intended to be blessed).
Esau planned to kill Jacob.
Just like interactions by humans through history.
“10 as it is written,
“There is none righteous, not even one;
11 There is none who understands,
There is none who seeks for God;
12 All have turned aside, together they have become useless;
There is none who does good,
There is not even one.” Romans 3:10-12.
But, there is truth to what Jacob stated: “Because the Lord your God caused it to happen to me.” Even though everyone’s actions were improper, God caused the blessing to be given to Jacob rather than to Esau. As it is stated in the following Article 13 of the Belgic Confession, “nothing happens in this world without his appointment: nevertheless, God neither is the author of, nor can be charged with, the sins which are committed.”
Article 13: Of Divine Providence.
We believe that the same God, after he had created all things, did not forsake them, or give them up to fortune or chance, but that he rules and governs them according to his holy will, so that nothing happens in this world without his appointment: nevertheless, God neither is the author of, nor can be charged with, the sins which are committed. For his power and goodness are so great and incomprehensible, that he orders and executes his work in the most excellent and just manner, even then, when devils and wicked men act unjustly. And, as to what he doth surpassing human understanding, we will not curiously inquire into, farther than our capacity will admit of; but with the greatest humility and reverence adore the righteous judgments of God, which are hid from us, contenting ourselves that we are disciples of Christ, to learn only those things which he has revealed to us in his Word, without transgressing these limits. This doctrine affords us unspeakable consolation, since we are taught thereby that nothing can befall us by chance, but by the direction of our most gracious and heavenly Father; who watches over us with a paternal care, keeping all creatures so under his power, that not a hair of our head (for they are all numbered), nor a sparrow, can fall to the ground, without the will of our Father, in whom we do entirely trust; being persuaded, that he so restrains the devil and all our enemies, that without his will and permission, they cannot hurt us. And therefore we reject that damnable error of the Epicureans, who say that God regards nothing, but leaves all things to chance. Belgic Confession.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 