Having a Favorite Child; Lessons From Rebecca!

Many of us are familiar with the account of Jacob and Esau in the bible. When Isaac was old (their father), Rebecca told Jacob to act like Esau which resulted in Jacob getting Esau's blessing.  This account can be found in Genesis 27.

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This resulted in Esau hating Jacob and he said that he would kill his brother.  This was told to Rebecca who then instructed Jacob to go to Laban her brother.

Genesis 27; 41
 And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.
42 And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee.
43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran;
44 And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's fury turn away;
 
Jacob ended up not spending a few days with her brother, but 20 years (Genesis 31; 41).
Rebecca indirectly paid a heavy price for what she did.
The result of her actions caused the following:

• Initial hatred between brothers.  Thank God that this was averted after 20 years ( Genesis 33; 10).
• Both brothers lost 20 years of which they would have bonded together.
• Jacob went through a difficult time with Laban during his stay.
• The explanation Rebecca would have had to make to Esau after he found out.
• The possible explanation she would have had to make to her aging husband, Jacob.

All this because, Rebecca had a favorite child.

So what is the remedy of this?

For those that know the Lord, the love of God has been shed abroad our hearts  by the Holy Ghost given unto us (Romans 5;5). The bible tells us to love our children, (Titus 2;4).  Anyone would question if Rebecca really loved Esau?

Everyone is unique and a gift from God.

Children may be different, as they will have different personalities and gifting’s. However parents are only stewards of Gods gifts and therefore how children are trained and treated is important. This can impact them in life, and not just only them but their siblings.
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So when we bring up children, we need to ask ourselves. What seed am l planting? In years to come what fruit will this produce?
 
Bisi Oladipupo

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