Key Verse: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Remember how the differences between Cain and Abel led to conflict and eventually Abel's death? The story of Isaac's twin sons, Jacob and Esau, is similar and almost ended the same way.
The struggle between Jacob and Esau began while they were still in their mother's womb. God said this was a sign that the boys' descendants would become rival nations. This rivalry was clear as they grew older, partly because of the differences between the two. Esau was an outdoorsman; Jacob preferred staying inside. Esau's skin was rough; Jacob had smooth skin. Their father favored Esau; Jacob was favored by his mother.
The rivalry between the brothers grew when Jacob coerced Esau into trading his birthright for a bowl of stew. Things got worse when Jacob deceived his father into giving him a blessing meant for Esau. Esau then vowed he'd kill Jacob after Isaac died.
Much later in life, Jacob decided to try to make peace with his brother. They met after years of separation. But rather than try to kill his brother, Esau embraced Jacob and forgave him.
Looking at two brothers, it'd be easy to assume God would use Esau to keep his promise to Abraham, right? Wrong. God honored Isaac's blessing of Jacob and used him to continue his great work of salvation. Even when God's ways don't seem to make sense, remember that his plans are perfect. God always knows what he's doing.
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