Lies Hurt

By Mary Vee

Genesis 27:19-30

Jacob stepped into Isaac's room. He paused to watch his father staring out the window. He can't see anything other than light and shadows. I remember when he played catch with us. He tossed the ball right too me then ran to catch my wild throws over his head--but that was years ago. He wiped a falling tear.

Isaac's hand trembled when he reached over to smooth his blanket. Jacob sighed. I don't want to do this, but I must. I can't let Esau get the blessing.

He took another step into the room. He cleared his throatthen spoke in a lower voice than normal. "My father."

Isaac's head turned toward the sound. "Yes? I'm not hearing clearly this afternoon. Which of my sons are you?"

Jacob stepped closer to his father's chair. "I'm Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please come sit at the table and eat my game, that your soul may bless me."

Jacob's heart pounded as his father's eyes searched to see him. Sweat trickled down his neck. I hope the goat skin doesn't fall off.

Isaac raised his hand and laid a shaky finger by his mouth. "How is it that you've hunted game so quickly, my son?"

How should I answer? What would Esau say? Jacob thought another moment. "Because the Lord your God brought it to me."

Isaac smelled the meat. His eyebrows lowered as he stroke his beard. "Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really Esau or not."

Jacob wet his lips and edged near his father's chair. He knelt closely to Isaac's legs.

Isaac reached out touched Jacob's neck and hands. He brushed his hand against his son's skin.

Jacob held his breath. Oh, no. What if he discovers the truth?

Isaac squinted then paused for a moment. "The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau." He set both arms on Jacob's shoulders. "Bless you, Esau."

Jacob slowly closed his eyes then opened them and breathed. Isaac pulled his hands away. "Are you really my son Esau?"

"Yes, Father, I am."

Isaac sat back in his chair. "Well, then, bring me the food that I may eat my son's game, so my soul may bless you."

Jacob served his father and watched him eat. Isaac smacked his lips. "Hmmm, delicious, just the way I remember."

He still doesn't sound convinced. I need to be careful. Jacob took the empty bowl and set it on the table.

"Come near now and kiss me, my son." Isaac smelled Jacob's clothes and smiled. "Surely, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed. therefore may God give you of the dew of heaven and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain. Let people serve you and nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren. Cursed be everyone who curses you and blessed be those who bless you."

Isaac lowered his hand onto his lap. "Now go, Son. I am tired."

As Jacob ran to the barn he glanced back and saw Esau returning from his hunting trip.

How do you think Jacob felt as he ripped the goat skins off and changed tunics? How will Isaac feel when he learns the truth. And what about Esau; how will he feel when he learns what Jacob did? Click the comment button to let me know.

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