In Jewish culture, the birthright and the blessing represented two distinct privileges bequeathed to the firstborn. The birthright represented an inheritance, entitling the bearer to a larger portion of the father’s estate. The blessing established who would become head of the extended family upon the father’s death. Within Abraham’s line the blessing was of particular importance, as God had promised the Savior would come from his descendants.

Contrary to custom, the Lord revealed to Rebekah that her youngest son would receive the blessing (Genesis 25:23). Despite this knowledge (and certainly Rebekah would have shared this message with her husband) both Isaac’s and Rebekah’s faith faltered. Failing to rest in God’s sovereignty, doubt overcame their hearts and they ceased trusting in the Lord. In their doubt, Isaac determined his course assured the better path and sought to offer the blessing to Esau, while Rebekah sought to usher in the Lord’s will through deceitful measures. The actions of both caused extensive heartache and brokenness within their marriage and relationships with and between their children.

Their doubts are not unfamiliar to me, as I wrestle with a God who does not always respond in the manner or timeline I desire. I too forget God is sovereign. In this passage the Lord reminds us that we need to trust Him. As the architect of space, time, and matter God possesses preeminent and indisputable rank, power, and authority over all things. In His sovereignty we have an assured hope that His plan will unfold despite our fallen nature and the flawed tools (“us”) He uses to fulfill that plan.

Just as He spoke to Rebekah and revealed His intent, God has spoken to us. He has revealed His immeasurable love for us, His unwavering pursuit of our hearts, and His redemptive plan to restore us to Himself through the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. God is sovereign and in control. We can stand firm in the knowledge that we serve a God who can and will do what He says He will. And in His sovereignty we can find rest, assured He will renew and restore our hearts to all He originally created them for.