WEDNESDAY August 26, 2020

God’s Election

And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”
Romans 9:10-13

Notice God’s divine election in the twins carried within Rebecca’s womb. Usually in this culture, the older child is the one who rules. They inherit the birthright––not the younger. In the case of Esau and Jacob, God switched things around. The younger would rule and gain the birthright over the older. It is interesting that Paul mentioned that in the womb, children have not done any good or evil. Yet God knows them.

It is written that God loved Jacob and hated Esau. Does this mean God hates? In the Hebrew language, the word hated means “to love less.” God knew Esau and what he would do. Esau would sell his birthright for food; He did not want the blessings of God. Esau was a carnal man, a man who walked according to his flesh––a rugged man of the field (Genesis 25).

Therefore, from the beginning of time, God elected whoever he wanted for His purposes. Instead of choosing Esau, God chose Jacob. God made the choice. In the Hebrew language Jacob’s name means “heel catcher.” Through deception, Jacob, under the guidance of his mother Rebecca, got his brother’s blessing––his birthright by deception. Jacob had to leave home––escape because of his brother’s anger (Genesis 27).

Years later, when Jacob returned home with his family, God touched Esau’s heart, and the brothers reconciled. Before they met, the Angel of the Lord came by night and wrestled with Jacob. The Angel left Jacob crippled. Even though Jacob limped for the rest of his life, his name was changed to Israel––which means governed by God. From that time forward, his life was governed by God. It is God who rules!

In God’s sovereignty, there is election, but God allows each person to make their choices. He knows already who will surrender to His will.

Christians are a select minority and God has made the selection.
~John Blanchard~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!