Genesis 25:26a “Afterward his brother came forth with his hand holding on to Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob;”

GRABBER

What a name!  Grabber!  How would you like that name?  It’s no wonder the two boys didn’t get along too well.  Every time Jacob’s name was called he was reminded of the birth story.  “Don’t you remember, Esau, how your brother was holding on to your foot when you were born?”  I bet that story got old.

But God has a plan for everything He does and allows.  God chose Jacob to be the line through which the nation of Israel would be birthed and eventually through which the Messiah would come.  God makes no mistakes.  We may think we have it all figured out, but we will see, in the end, that He knows best.

TEACHING MOMENT

Do your children “grab” for stuff?  Do they always seem to want what the other child has?  I’ve seen it a lot.  If you put two two-year-olds in the same room with a dozen toys, it won’t take long until they are fighting over the same toy.  “Mine, mine, mine!”  We “grab” the stuff we think we have to have.

Teaching our children contentment is hard work.  The world is working against us all the time.  But when they learn to receive with gratitude and accept what they have, they will have learned a great life lesson.  Now, there’s nothing wrong with ambition and achievement.  It just shouldn’t come against the rights of others.

What are you “grabbing” for?  Do you eye what somebody else has and desire it?  Let the Lord be your desire.  Let Him show you what you need.  After all, He desires the best for you.

My God and Savior, I know You want the best for me.  But sometimes it is just hard to wait as others all around me seem to have all they desire.  Help me to rest in You and teach others to do the same.