Genesis 25:19-26 – The birth of two nations

Genesis 25:19 turns to focus on Isaac. He is now the centre of the divine drama. Here we see that Isaac was 40 years old when he married Rebekah. Like Sarah, her mother-in-law, Rebekah was barren. And Isaac prayed for her. God answered his prayer and opened the womb of Rebekah. She conceived a pair of twins – Jacob and Isaac. But the babies within her womb were extraordinarily active. Concerned, she consulted the Lord and was told that within her were two separate nations. The Lord told her that “Two nations are in your womb;

And two peoples will be separated from your body;
And one people shall be stronger than the other;
And the older shall serve the younger.”

God showed her three things: firstly the two sons she would give birth to would be the initiators of two nations. Secondly the strength of each one would be disproportionate. And finally the younger would have priority over the older one. In ancient times the older son always had priority, hence the information about the priority of the younger one was discomforting. This is a clear indication age has no priority in our effectiveness as far as God is concerned. Our effectiveness in life and ministry is determined by our gifts, talents and the endowment of God. We can see from this pair of twins that leadership is not a matter of the age but the endowment of God’s gift. The order of their birth was immaterial to the calling of God. 

Of course Rebekah was shocked by the news that she was bearing twins within her womb. Up to that point she was probably not aware of the status. However, this knowledge must have helped her to endure the hyperactivity within her womb. When Isaac was 60 years old this pair of twins were born. The first one that came forth from the womb was Esau. He was red, ruddy and hairy. The second one was named Jacob, he came forth grasping the heel of Esau. He was a heel grabber. One was named because of how he looked. The other was named because of what he did. What happened in Rebekah’s womb became evident. Two nations were struggling within her. What happened while they were in the womb of their mother was obviously going to continue outside. This is the pattern that had been set for the course of their life.  

This account tells us that prayer is one avenue God has given to us to unlock God’s plan for our life. The barrenness of Rebekah was resolved by Isaac’s prayer. It tells husbands of the God ordained role in the home. The Lord did not leave the man helpless to fulfil his role. He has given us the instrument of prayer to unravel His plan and purpose for our life. Let’s make prayer a habit so that God’s plan can be brought into fruition. Secondly, we take note that age has no bearing in leadership. What’s important is the gift and talent God has granted a person for the role he must play. It is the calling of God that will enable one to reach the heights of what one has been assigned to do. Let’s not allow our age or years in the Lord to hinder us from doing what He has ordained for us to do. Let’s responsibly discharge our role.