We can see this family’s dysfunction in the way the parents played favorites. Isaac loved Esau’s “manliness” and appreciated his ability to bring back food from the hunt. Rebekah favored Jacob, so when she overheard Isaac’s conversation with Esau, she came up with a plan to help Jacob receive the blessing instead of Esau.

The plot was to deceive Isaac into thinking that Jacob was Esau. Jacob would take goats from their flock so Rebekah could make a meal Isaac loved. Even though his father could not see well, Jacob knew that if Isaac touched him, then Isaac would realize Jacob was not Esau. Jacob was concerned his father would curse rather than bless him. But Rebekah had everything figured out. She clothed Jacob in Esau’s clothes, she put the goats’ skin on Jacob to make him hairy, and she prepared a meal her husband would like.

Despite all this scheming, God continued to be gracious. He kept His promises. His plan to redeem the world will not be overcome by human sin.

• How are you encouraged knowing that God can work sovereignly through your mistakes to bring about something good?