The spiritual world influences the natural world in situations we do not understand. The Bible says that, when we were still an unformed mass, the Most High knew us and participated in our development in the womb: Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them (Psalm 139.16). He knows what to do with us!

Rebekah did not understand why the children struggled within her, so she went to seek the Lord and told Him what was happening in her womb: And the Lord said to her: “Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger (Genesis 25.23). Our Father knows the facts in advance, so seek Him whenever you need!

I have heard famous pastors refer to Jacob as a thief. I don't understand how someone of God could speak of the one who was given the name patriarch of the Hebrews. Nothing is more foolish than this statement. Reread what God said about the twins in response to Rebekah's request. From the account of their birth, it becomes clear something that man will never understand, except by revelation: Jacob would be born first.

Maybe that was why Jacob came out with his hand holding Esau's heel. Those who have witnessed a natural birth are impressed by the movement of the newborn to leave the mother's womb. They then gave him the name Jacob (supplanter). He went through the motions of birth without taking his hand off his brother's heel. It was as if he were saying, "I will surpass you!"

One day, the hunter Esau returned home hungry and, seeing Jacob making a lentil stew, asked him for some of that dish. From the biblical narrative, we understand that Jacob already intended to buy that blessing: But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.” (Genesis 25.31). Esau’s response was: And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?” (v. 32). The deal was made and paid for by Jacob!

Jacob asked for confirmation that his brother would sell his birthright for food: Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. (v. 33). Great joy filled Jacob's heart, and he served food to Esau: And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. (v. 34).

Later, Esau regretted what he had done and sought the Lord to forgive him, for he did not want to lose what had cost him strength and luck to achieve (Hebrews 12:16-17). However, Jacob proved his faith by grasping his brother's heel. Many people do not examine the facts described in the Bible and, therefore, say what they should not. The Lord is Justice!

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares