Then he asked, “Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?” Genesis 27:36b
Oh, what power we have as fathers to instill hope and a future for each of our children. The power of a blessing is something that is not well understood in our time. Fathers continually neglect their responsibility to bless their children, and entire generations wander about – unsure of their place in this world.
We all know the story of how Jacob stole the blessing from Esau. Rebekah schemed so her favorite, Jacob, would be blessed. There is deception throughout the story. But I believe at the heart of the matter, the primary responsibility for the pain that was caused lies with Isaac. It was his favoritism of Esau that made the situation what it was.
Isaac favored Esau, and his blessing reflected it. EVERYTHING was given with his blessing. Isaac left nothing for his other son, Jacob. When Esau discovered what had happened, he cried out, “Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?”
Now, wouldn’t Jacob have been asking the same thing? The tradition was to instill a blessing on the firstborn. But Isaac didn’t get it: he had the power to bless both his sons! He chose one over the other, and it backfired on him.
Why is it that men still don’t get it? When I gained the courage to look my father in the face and say, “I needed more from you,” all he could say was, “I did the best I knew how to do.” I understand that. I accept that. My father still cries over the blessing never given by my grandfather. But he still has the power! He just doesn’t get it. He didn’t have much to start with, and he thinks he as given it all away. But God gives us so much more! All we must do is ask for it.
Father, You know how I have longed for my father’s blessing. How is it that as a grown man I could get so excited by his arm merely squeezing my side two weeks after I asked for more from him? I wouldn’t call it an embrace, but I recognize it as my father’s attempt to bless me.
Help me, Lord, to pour blessing on both my children. I may not have received enough from my father to go around, but You have more than I could ever ask for! Bless my children, Lord Jesus. Lay Your hands on them. Use them for the glory of Your Father in Heaven!