Big Red was a hot head. He was a part of the team, but wanted nothing to do with team activities. He was selfish and arrogant, and he made life miserable for his coach. All in all, he was the most difficult player on the team to work with. And his twin brother Jake? He was as deceptive as his brother was angry. The combination of the two boys wore their coach out.

Sound familiar? Isaac’s sons Esau and Jacob were definitely unique. Esau was the hunter and outdoorsman who wanted nothing to do with his father’s God. Jacob was the mama’s boy who would do anything to gain his father’s love. Here is their distinguished list of “dis”:

-Esau was disrespectful when he married a Hittite women and made life miserable for his parents.
-Jacob was dishonest when he lied to his elderly father and told him he was Esau.
-Esau was disenchanted with his birthright cause of his selfish hunger.
-Jacob dishonored his father by tricking him into Esau’s birthright.

Need we go on? I think you get the message. This was one dysfunctional family. And their mom was just as bad! So, what can we learn from this family? Maybe some things that healthy families require to stay out of dysfunction:
•    A God who rules.
•    A Dad who leads.
•    A Mom who loves.
•    Kids who obey.

So, how does your family measure up? Are you an obedient child, or do you constantly want your own way? Are you a father who is actively leading the family, or are you a passive couch potato? I think you get the point. Check your role!

Let us learn from past so that we can apply it to our future in Christ. After all, even though Isaac’s family had its issues, God still used them to build His Kingdom. He can use you, too!