Isaac, Abraham's son in his old age, called Esau, his firstborn, and gave him a simple mission to carry out, since he was a skilled hunter. In life, nothing is too much for those who prepare to fulfill the request or order of someone superior. The patriarch wanted to bless his son and eat a game meat hunted by him. However, Rebekah, Isaac's wife, felt it was time to intervene, for the future of humanity was at stake.

It was no exaggeration: Esau could not become the patriarch of the family from which the Messiah would come. Therefore, Rebekah risked enraging her son, who was not a good person. One time, to annoy his parents, Easau married two women from the local tribes (Genesis 26:34,35). Well, this could interfere with the Lord's plan; after all, everything about Jesus had to be holy and consecrated.

Rebekah's decision was difficult for her and her entire family, but those who love God more take risks to not hinder His purpose. We must always be prepared so that our past does not cause scandals or stumbling blocks for the Most-High. Wasn't that what the apostle Paul recommended to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:15)? Beware of scandals (Luke 17:1)! 

Isaac knew that he was quite old and that the day of his departure was approaching. His eyes had darkened to the point that he could not see. The reason for his loss of vision is not known. Moses was born 500 years later, and his vision was perfect until he was 120 years old, according to the biblical account: Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished (Deuteronomy 34.7).

Isaac grew old, and his eyes could no longer see anything. However, his appetite remained the same, so much so that he called Esau and asked him to hunt an animal, prepare the meat the way he liked, and bring it to him to eat. Isaac also did not lose his memory. He wanted his firstborn to do it because no one knew how to prepare the dish like he did. So, the son went in search of the animal to fulfill his father's wish.

We have nothing to say about Isaac's decision, but rather to rejoice in the fact that he has reached the age of 180. Abraham, his father, died at 176 years old. The servants of God in those days lived longer than we do today. However, this should not be a reason for discouragement. Although some have the resources to pay doctors to prolong their lives, no one can escape death.

The important thing is to be saved, so that the Most-High can honor your departure from Earth. There is no reason to cry when your time comes; after all, nothing will prevent your death. You can prepare for that moment by surrendering yourself to Jesus as your Savior and Lord and living in His presence!

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares