Holding on to the Heel

Genesis 25:24 When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau's heel, so his name was called Jacob.

Sometimes, the promises of God seem to take a long time to arrive.  The promise of God to give Abraham a heritage like the stars and sand did not happen overnight or without struggle. Abraham had finally been given "the son of promise," Isaac, who had two sons. This would at first glance be seen as doubling the process of growing the nation - except that it became not cooperation but a competition. Jacob was the one who would lead the way, but he was always trying to get ahead by holding Esau back. Of course, God had told the parents ahead of time that the younger would be more prominent, but often we think we need to "make it happen" our way.  Our way forward in life and in faith is not by holding others back, but allowing God to work and allowing others to run forward the race God has set before them. This is true at work, in the family, and especially the family of God.