Sunday Thought 61

Would you steal from your family? Would you deceive and lie for money and blessings? Jacob, son of Isaac in the Old Testament, did just that. He deceived his father into giving him the blessing instead of his older brother Essau. You can read the details of the account in Genesis chapter 27.

Yes, he got away with it. But he paid a heavy price. He had to leave home for fear of his life – never to see his mother or father again. He was wanted by his brother, who naturally wanted to kill him for his deception. He in turn was lied too and deceived by a relative (Uncle Laban). His sons also learned from him well, and in turn deceived him when he was old (chapter 37 – the plot against Joseph).

Yes, Jacob deceived. He learned it from his Grandfather Abraham (chapter 20), from his Father Isaac  (chapter 26), and passed it on to his sons. We pass on more than just an inheritance, we pass on our character too.

Treachery and deceit, although they may provide short term benefits, have long term consequences, even for our children.