Genesis 27 ~ Another observation from the life of Jacob
In addition to his incident involving those fruitful flocks, Jacob has more history that proves helpful as we determine to set our mind and focus on who we are in the spirit. Can there be too many reminders of the importance of recognizing our true identity? One thing is sure, Jacob had some experience in determining identity. He had learned first-hand that when someone sets their focus on the nature of the flesh, they can be deceived!
Genesis 27 records the story of Jacob and the rivalry between him and his brother Esau. (You can read the entire story here) Attempting to acquire for himself the blessing his father is about to pronounce on his brother, Jacob poses as Esau, disguising himself by covering his smooth flesh with goatskins in order to resemble the hairy flesh of his brother. If he can keep his now aged and blind father from recognizing his true identity, the blessing will be his. But would it work?
So Jacob came close to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” He did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him. Genesis 27:22-23
As this story illustrates, attempting to identify someone based on the flesh can be seriously deceptive and can cost us dearly. Let’s not allow the same thing to happen to us. Don’t be like Isaac, trying to recognize your identity based on the nature of your flesh. (II Corinthians 5:16) Your new identity has been established by your new birth. According to Ephesians 4:24 you have been recreated in righteousness and you are now truly holy…on the inside. Don’t be blind to the truth as was the patriarch Isaac or you might end up with a case of mistaken identity. You are who you are in the spirit…no matter what it ‘feels’ like.
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Want more background on this concept?
What Does ‘Walking in the Spirit’ Mean?
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