Déjà vu? – The story of Rebekah/Isaac parallels the Abraham/Sarah narrative in several ways: like Sarah, Rebekah too, is barren and Isaac, like Abraham though not as critical to the story—is old when he becomes a father (ca age 60). But note the differences between the two stories. Both Isaac and Rebekah pray and God answers both, though differently. Conception results from Isaac’s prayer and a complex, speaking-into-the-future comes from Rebekah’s prayers.

• Womb War – Rebekah, not Isaac, draws our attention in this opening story. It is to Rebekah that God speaks concerning the skirmish going on in her womb. God speaks promises and destiny into her future. She learns that the skirmish which began in her womb will continue unabated for generations: "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you will be divided." [1]
• Promise within Struggle – sometimes that’s the way it comes. "Promise is often hidden in the strife, precisely where so many of us actually live . . . not only that, but the promise is hidden as well in reversal. Rebekah is told that the younger shall not serve the elder, soon to be identified as the father’s favorite." [2] Instead, mom’s boy—the schemer and conniver—will emerge as the one to whom The Promise passes.

 

What are some of the stories that you’ve been told about your own birth?

• Did you experience playing "favorites" in your family? How did it make you feel?
• How would you describe Esau? Jacob? Based on information from the story, which son would you prefer as a parent?
• What was the coveted "birthright" that Jacob succeeded in bartering from Esau?
• What about the trade-off? What was the best trade you made with a sibling or close friend? What was the impact? What was the worst trade-off?

 

Isaac’s Prayer—the parenthood journey begins with Isaac’s prayer for Rebekah; maybe there was a modicum of compassion for Rebekah in the prayer—barrenness was not a valued state to be in. But also the prayer got Isaac in touch with the promises that extended back to his family.

• Rebekah’s Prayer—a very different prayer! She prays not out of compassion, but out of despair; the womb-dwellers are in an unbearable struggle. Could she survive this pregnancy? "If this is the way it’s supposed to be, I want to die!"

God’s answer is unusual: the last shall be first and the first shall be last and the younger will rule the older.

• Learning Moment—be careful how you pray! Prayer can be dangerous! God is faithful to answer the prayers of those who seek God’s will. And in some way, we cooperate with God in the bringing about, or birthing of the answer to our authentic and earnest prayers.

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[1]The Abingdon Preaching Annual 2002 Edition (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2001), pp. 250-252.
[2] Ibid, page 130.