Old age dangers for the believer

The wisdom of Solomon tells us in  Pro 16.31, "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness"  Hoary is defined as white or gray with age.  Thus, aged folks should have wisdom in the way of righteousness.  Especially believers of "old age." 

Do they?

Beware some of the dangers and pitfalls in the story of Isaac and his scheming wife Rebekah and son, Jacob.  The fallout being broken relationships with close family ties as well as with God.  Wonder if Jacob ever had fellowship restored? It doesn't seem that Rebekah did. Isaac would've died saddened he was so misled.  Read more to see what this blogger sees.

Genesis 27

• Fleshly comfort before faith - Isaac, in his old age thought only of physical comfort.  He told Esau, "make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die."

• Scheming before faith - Rebekah overheard the request and began to scheme and spake unto Jacob.  She said,  "I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth:... And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death."  

What I don't understand is why Jacob was favored over Esau.  Other than further scripture that draws the attention to a higher doctrine; (Rom 9.13)

• Manipulating  accomplice - Why was Rebekah willing to take "the curse" away from Jacob?  Why did she prefer one son over the other?  A lesson here.  God is no respecter of persons.  (Acts 10.31 He is not sentimental, He is holy (I Pet 1.16, Mt 7.14)  Believers are directed to a straight, holy path. "Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice,"

• Wary discernment - How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? Heb 4.12 explains the Word of God as the way of discernment.  The Lord Jesus also gave us "another" in the Holy Ghost in Jn 16.13 

• Discernment unheeded -  See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed: Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren,... "Passing the buck" instead of taking responsibility for lack of discernment. Isaac should have followed up with more inquiry but his appetite got the better of him.  (I Cor 5.7) -  Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.

• Reaping lack of faith -  (Gal 6.7)  Sowing and reaping never change. Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him:

• Rebekah denying her part in the coverup - Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him:

• Depression because of scheming - I am weary of my life

To conclude these thoughts it is easy enough to see the dangers of yielding to fleshly feelings and desires over the Word of God and discerning guidance of the Holy Spirit.  In the words of a wise old Sunday School teacher, "when in doubt, DON'T!"

In His Name, Site Moderator, Ps 57.7