Living in the Spirit : Jacob's Desire for the Blessing, Divine Purpose, and God's Prosperity — Part 1

Chosen Before Birth

Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, was chosen by God before he was even born. While he and Esau were still in their mother's womb, God declared to Rebekah, "The elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). Before Jacob had done anything good or bad, God had already ordained him to inherit the covenant blessing given to Abraham.

The Struggle for the Birthright

The struggle between the twins began before birth and continued after they were born. When Jacob came into the world, he was holding onto Esau's heel, a picture of his determination to obtain what belonged to his brother as the firstborn. Later, when the opportunity presented itself, Jacob said to Esau, "Sell me this day thy birthright" (Genesis 25:31), and insisted that he swear an oath before receiving the meal. Esau despised his birthright, but Jacob treasured it because he recognized its value.

The birthright was significant. It entitled the firstborn to a double portion of the inheritance and leadership of the family. More importantly, in Abraham's family it carried the covenant promises of God — the blessing through which God intended to fulfill His redemptive purpose in the earth.

Grace Versus Human Effort

Jacob desired the blessing, but he did not yet understand the God who had already chosen him. He sought to obtain through human effort what God had already promised by grace. Rebekah made the same mistake. Instead of trusting God to fulfill His own word, she resorted to manipulation and deception to secure the blessing for Jacob.

How often believers make the same mistake today! We have been called through the gospel to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:14), the blessing of Abraham. Yet we become impatient and try to accomplish His promises through human wisdom, connections, manipulation, or fleshly striving. But God is faithful to His word. What He has spoken, He is able to perform. His purposes never require sinful shortcuts.

Purpose Before Prosperity

Many Christians spend their lives struggling because they pursue success to obtain wealth instead of pursuing God's purpose. Purpose must always come before prosperity. Wealth is never God's primary goal; it is often the by-product of fulfilling His assignment. He is a just Rewarder — He does not call us to serve Him for nothing. Jacob could have rested in God's promise instead of striving to produce God's result. His grandfather Abraham walked with God in obedience and became very rich in livestock, silver, and gold. His father Isaac also walked with God, and the Lord prospered him until the Philistines envied him. Their prosperity was never separated from their relationship with God or their divine assignment.

Hassan Thomas Nenger Living in the Spirit