Anyone who has read the bible over the years, or has seen or read the stories in it will often see the people in it as pillars of moral Christian behavior. Many of the names you see in there have achieved what many of us feel, we have come short of the place we wish we could be in the sight of God. I have learned that though we had them in the highest regard as part of inspiration for us, we miss the fact that all of them had deep flaws in their character too. It also goes for the entire nation of Israel, the apostles, and every one that became a Child of God we see written in the book.

One of the most interesting cases was Jacob and Esau, the sons of Isaac. The biggest statement about them in the bible appears in the old testament and the new. It is in the Old Testament book Malachi 1:2-3 and is later quoted by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament Romans 9:13. That statement is “Jacob I have loved, Esau I have hated.” This was a statement directly from the Lord on which of the two sons he had chosen to fulfil His purpose. Our first thoughts are that Jacob was a moral upright person from day one but we see a much different character in the pages of the bible. He was a cheat and thief and conspired against his own brother and father. In doing so he broke at least two of the ten commandments. Esau was a hard worker who provided for his family, though also an imperfect person.

In Genesis 27 Jacob and his mother Rebecah, plotted to steal Esau’s blessing. Reason being is this blessing carries a high spiritual weight as well as establishes who will inherit the family possessions. Jacob as far as putting on animal fur to simulate the hair nature of his brother’s arms. After the blessing was given to Jacob it devastated Esau who asked for his own blessing but this was not something that could be done. The blessings given by a Hebrew father carried a high weight with the Lord himself. Jacob in reality stole what belonged to His elder brother. Yet the Lord showed us that despite this he loved Jacob more than Esau. In time Jacob aligned himself with God’s purpose. Esau however went his own way.

The reason why the Bible shows us our heroes with their flaws is to show us in the end that it doesn’t matter how flawed and messed up we are, we are not out of His reach. God can still love us anyway and we can still be in His plans despite what we do. When you realize this is the case it becomes a comfort to those always struggling in the faith. You can see in the bible that the people, the names and all those who are chosen share a common reminder/ That reminder is if God can save them, He can save you!

In Christ always,     

Steve Koenig

Lakeshore Fellowship