Sermon Video: The Divergent Paths of Jacob and Esau - Genesis 27:46-28:22

The contrasting narratives in Genesis 27-28 of Esau's wives whom his parents dislike immensely and Jacob's journey to find a wife akin to how Rebekah was sought for Isaac are a reminder to ancient Israel, and to us, that the key difference in the course that any life takes is the role of God.  Both Esau and Jacob were flawed men (the Genesis narrative painting Jacob as significantly worse), but Jacob's path was contained within the promise of God's blessings, Esau's was not.  Why?  Grace.  God's grace.

Sermon Video: Isaac's Covenant with the LORD - Genesis 26:1-33

Having introduced the rivalry between Jacob and Esau in chapter 25, Moses now recounts the ways in which God's interactions with Isaac echo the interactions with his father Abraham.  In addition to reiterating the promises regarding the land, numerous descendants, and a blessing to the world through them, the LORD takes the time to tell Isaac that he will be WITH him.  The element of relationship is emphasized, purposefully, setting this covenant apart from others in the A.N.E.   God wanted to be with Isaac, a trait that hasn't changed with God's people today because it is an outflow of God's unchanging love.