Monday 12th May
Read Genesis 27:11-13; 21-24
“Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, ‘But my brother Esau is a hairy man while I have smooth skin. 12 What if my father touches me? I would appear to be tricking him and would bring down a curse on myself rather than a blessing.’ 13 His mother said to him, ‘My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me.’
“Then Isaac said to Jacob, ‘Come near so I can touch you, my son, to know whether you really are my son Esau or not.’ 22 Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, ‘The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.’ 23 He did not recognise him, for his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he proceeded to bless him. 24 ‘Are you really my son Esau?’ he asked.” ‘I am,’ he replied.”” (NIVUK)
Soaking oneself in God’s word and meditating upon it is an essential Christian discipline. We have been working through the five senses and their importance in understanding what it means to be human and in right relationship with God. Each of our senses are to be offered up to God, returned to Him, as an act of worship.
The question of how and why this is even necessary doesn’t often concern us. There is likely no fuller meditation on this question than Genesis 27. All five senses are on full display. Unfortunately all five senses are betrayed and deceived. Eyes (v1), ears (v5, 22), taste (v4, 9, 17), smell (v27) and touch (v12, 21-23). The author is making the point very clearly that it is now rather dangerous to trust our senses!
Genesis 27 demands long reflection as the echo of the original deception in the garden (Genesis 3) reverberates through God’s chosen family. When our senses are used to grasp and grab for power and blessing only grief, curse and exile follow. All our senses are twisted inwards when driven by selfish ambition. Trust is broken. How can relationships be restored?
As we explore the sense of touch this week we will read of people reaching out and grasping and grabbing Jesus, seeking restoration and healing. We will see Him reach out and touch them and restore them. We will ultimately see Him touched brutally, beaten and bloodied and broken open. That is what it takes to restore our senses to us.
“And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?” (And can it be, Charles Wesley)
