Declaring Faith

In this lesson we observe that faith overcame many obstacles in the lives of Isaac and Jacob. In the case of Isaac, it over came tradition and natural affection. In Isaac's day it was a patriarchal society. The Husbands were the religious leaders of the family, but were also the priests. The eldest son was normally blessed simply because he was the eldest. It is noted that Esau, the eldest was also "loved" by Isaac. But it was the revealed will of God that the "elder (Esau) shall serve the younger (Jacob)" Gen.25:23. Hebrews 11:20 reveals to us that Isaac pronounced the blessing upon Jacob by faith. Although he was deceived, God was not. And Isaac, a holy man of old, spake as he was led by the Holy Spirit of God (2Pet.1:20,21). Thus, he told Esau, "and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed." Isaac, by faith, understood that it was according the will of God. Faith overcame the traditions of the world as well as his own natural affections.
In the case of Jacob, his faith also overcame tradition, but also the displeasure of his own son, Joseph. Joseph desired for Manasseh to be blessed above Ephraim. But this was not the will of the Lord. By faith Jacob, like Isaac declared by faith. His faith overcame the displeasure of family. Jacob's faith overcame human authority as Joseph was most powerful man in the world.
May God grant us faith to overcome as well.