Next in the Life of Israel; Genesis 25

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At the beginning of every TV series there is always a quick recap to get you up, in case you didn't see the previous episodes. A few brief glimpses of what brought you to todays events.
That's exactly what happens in Genesis 25.
Rebekah, wife of Isaac and daughter in law of Abraham, is ready to give birth and carry on the family line. She is carrying twins. Abraham, and Ishmael have passed away of old age. The tribe of people Ishmael leaves behind don't play well in the sandbox and Isaac becomes the carrier of the promise made to Abraham.
Enter the twins Jacob and Esau.
One of my favorite characters of the Bible born in this story.
He is the younger of the two boy twins born to Rebekah, Jacob. 
I like him for two reasons. First, he is a great inspiration to those of us God has really had to hit over the head with a brick. The second reason is eventually learn. He changes. There is hope for all of us!
Poor Esau didn't have much of a chance. Romans 9:13 declares that God loved Jacob and chose him for the blessing long before Esau even opened his eyes and let cried his first cry. He is a wild boy from day one. He is a hunter and on an unfortunate day trades his birthright for a bowl of "red stew", whatever that is.
Jacob takes after his mother. He is quiet and a bit sneaky. This is a trait God will discipline out of him. Jacob, like his mom must stop relying on his own smarts and trust God. Esau has some anger issues, and struggles with the concept of delayed gratification. His motto, I want it and I want it NOW!
God declares that the older will serve the younger, which is a very counter culture move for that time.  God once again takes our plans, rules and traditions and reminds us that His plans don't conform to ours.

Don't miss the next episode in the adventures of Israel and Yahweh.

Read Romans 9 for further study
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+9&version=KJV

Dig Deeper

Link to Genesis 25
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+25&version=NIV

Extra verses on Esau, delayed gratification and making choices

Hebrews 12:16

16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.

Galatians 6:7-10

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

James 5:7-8

Patience in Suffering

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

The Need for Self-Discipline

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize