Wise and Foolish Choices: “She Went to Inquire of the Lord” (Gen 25:19-34)

“But the children struggled together within her; and she said, If all is well, why am I like this? So she went to inquire of the Lord” (vs22)

In this word, we see wise and foolish choices. Rebekah wisely sought God and loved what He loves. Esau gave away Christ and foolishly lost his soul.

First, we see Rebekah's wisdom in seeking God. She said, “If all is well, why am I like this? So she went to inquire of the Lord” (vs21-23). When we lack peace, when conscience is dirty, when fears abound, and when things aren't how they should be, wisely inquire into what is wrong, and God will answer. James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind (James 1:5-6).” Don't live like misery is your lot, when peace is promised. Live by faith, leaning on and relying upon God for everything. Get rest, for it is promised. God's remedy is in His word. Hold His promises as things to experience.

Secondly, see Rebekah's wisdom in loving Jacob. I know Esau may be "the man around town", the envy of the world, and the most skilled hunter (vs27). But God gave victory to Jacob, even as He rightly expresses what pleases and angers Him. He had said, “Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than the others, and the older [Esau] shall serve the younger [Jacob]” (vs23). Therefore we read of Rebekah's wisdom and Isaac's folly or ignorance in the matter, “And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob” (vs27-28). We're wise to love what He loves, fighting on God's side, because what He's blessed cannot be cursed; it prospers in the end.

Thirdly, we see Esau's foolishness. He sells his birthright and gives up on eternal life for the short lived, momentary pleasures of sin. Like his name, Edom, which means red, he loved the red stew, a common meal, more than eternal life, Christ, and his own soul. He said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me? (vs32)” He trusted in the “now", did not see the eternal, and foolishly perished without wisdom.

Finally, God has made us wise. If something is wrong, seek Him. James says again, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms" (James 5:13). When He reveals His will, then follow Him, expecting blessing where He says. If you're tempted to quit the race and squander your soul, look at Esau, “who for one morsel of food sold his birthright” (Heb 12:16). He sold everything for a temporary need that God was meeting daily. Be wise. Fools go to hell.