Isaac said, “Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die (Gen. 27:4).

For Meditation

Rebekah and Isaac. Each preferred one of their twins to the other. Isaac loved Esau, but Rebekah preferred Jacob. While Isaac waited for his choice food from Esau before blessing him, Rebekah schemed to get the blessings for Jacob. It was a dangerous game of favoritism that breeds enmity in families and other relationships.

But what was God’s will in these intrigues? Did He also play favoritism in this matter? (Gen. 25:23). That question stretches the query to address God’s acceptance of Abel over Cain, Isaac over Ishmael, Joseph over his older brothers, and David over his brothers. The key to understanding these choices lies in His election plan (Eph. 1:4; 1 Pt. 1:2; Rm. 8;28-29). Paul reveals this clearly in Romans 9:12-16. “Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand, not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated” (12-13).

In other words, God’s choices are not predicated on natural right, as Esau could claim. On the contrary, God freely gives according to His sovereign choice. His blessing is purely by grace. That’s why the new birth does not depend on any “natural descent, a human decision, or a husband’s will, but … of God” (John 1:13). It is also “not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). So, Isaac and Rebekah may have had their preferences, but God had the last word. In their nudging and scheming, God was working His eternal plan and purpose for our good in Christ (Rom. 8:28).

We too can have our preferences in the family or in any other setting, but ultimately, God’s will always prevail. His choices will always triumph over human choices; His plan and purpose in every situation will always prevail. It has nothing to do with human wisdom or strength (1 Cor. 1:26-31).

So, don’t worry about the human intrigues and schemes around you. Don’t worry about your parents’ preferences and their hurtful words spoken against you. Don’t let your boss’ partiality cause you to be angry and bitter (Heb. 12:15). Neither should you allow sibling rivalry to mess up your mind. They may be painful and wicked, but God’s plan for your life will ultimately prevail (Jer. 29:11).