**God is already in the future**

Hebrews 11:20-22 ²⁰ By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future. ²¹ By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. ²² By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.

In Genesis 47-50: Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons; and Joseph prophesies about deliverance.

Jacob & Esau: Genesis 25:19-34 (CEV)

Genesis 25:23 Talks of two Nations in Rebekah’s womb (Distinct people/identities)

v27 Talks about Esau’s temperament/personality: A skilled hunter or an outdoor man.

Jacob’s personality/temperament is presented as a man of quiet life, a shepherd living among the tents.

v28 Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating the wild game brought home by Esau. On the other hand, Rebekah loved Jacob.

v29-34 shows the dangers of favoritism in a family.

Observation of Chapter 27: We see that Isaac called his two sons (Esau & Jacob) separately. Why?? This shows the division which was running in the family.

Benefits of being involved in your children affairs: 

**Genesis 24:1-4 shows that Abraham was involved in Isaac’s marriage. Result: v67 Isaac was comforted by his wife Rebekah after his mother’s death.

**Genesis 26:34 shows that Isaac on the other hand was not involved in Esau’s marriage. Result: Gen 27:46 Esau’s wives were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah.

Dangers of Favoritism: Continuation……….Genesis 27:1-17

–Breeds lies and conmanship

–Breeds unethical & unscriptural behaviors

Genesis 27:41 Shows a grudge between siblings……v44 Shows a life of fear/mistrust

Dangers: **Suffering** (Genesis 31:40-41, Genesis 47:7) Shows that deception doesn’t pay, Jacob ended upt living few and difficult years. In Genesis 29:25-26  Jacob encountered Laban who also cheated him thrice: In wages, breeding and marriage.

There is hope for Healing in Families:

Genesis 35:28-29 shows that both Esau and Jacob buried their father together after reconciling****

Genesis 33:1-12 shows that Esau didn’t keep the grudge for 20 years *** When he met Jacob after 20 years, he embraced him, hugged him and they both wept.  In v10 he said,

“when you welcomed me and I saw your face, it was like seeing the face of God…” (CEV) 

“And what a relief to see your friendly smile…..”(NLT)

“When I saw your face, it was as the face of God smiling on me…..”(MSG)