A family quarrel

"The children grew up ... And Isaac loved Esau, for the game was his meat. But Rebecca loved Jacob. "Genesis 25. 28

In general, betrothal time is useful to prepare for marriage and to get to know each other, until the union is sealed (in different ways according to country and customs). But Isaac and Rebecca became husband and wife, without this time of the betrothal : Isaac received his wife as a gift from God. From that moment, "he loved her" : it is this intimate relationship that is so beautiful within the framework of marriage.

But their home was childless. This painful problem becomes a subject of prayer for Isaac (Gen. 25:21). Was he the only one to pray ? No doubt they shared their problems together with the Lord. Common prayer is indispensable, it is an expression of unity, it strengthens the bonds of the couple : "Let your prayers not be interrupted" (1 Pet. 3: 7).

When twins arrive, the hearth is divided into two half-worlds : Isaac and Esau on one side, Rebecca and Jacob on the other ! These preferences of a parent for a child establish a distance between the parents and cause harm to the children. For they need the unconditional love of their two parents. We know that words such as "if you are not wise, I do not love you anymore" or "works well at school if you want me to love you" are terribly wrong. Parents should pray as much for each of their children : the "Jacobs" who seem easy in appearance and the "Esau", children with problems. Isaac loved "his son" because he was preparing good little game dishes ! Yet he knew that the inheritance of God (the right of firstborn, for example) did not matter much to "a profane" like Esau. As for Rebecca, why did she prefer Jacob, cunning and deceitful? Was he like him ?

Relationships are not good in this family. But they are going to degrade completely as a result of a deception organized by Rebecca : she urges "her son" to obtain by stratagem the blessing of the firstborn, causing the family to tear : Esau's hatred, exile of Jacob and bitter parents' solitude !

Maybe I am responsible for poor relationships in my couple or in my family ? The Word of God says : "Reconcile yourself with your brother" ; "Confess your faults one to another" ; "As Christ has forgiven you, so do ye also" (Matthew 5: 2, Jacobs 5: 16, Col. 3:13).

Source (Please the Lord)