What Can We Learn From Rebekah? Genesis 27:46 I. Introduction. A. A despondent statement: Genesis 27:46. B. Our failures often create such feelings. 1. Humans are not perfect. 2. Often realize failure when too late. C. Is there anything Rebecca could(or could not) have done to make things different? D. Was Rebekah reaping what she sowed? E. Why do we need to reflect on her situation? 1. Parents are still concerned for offspring. 2. Conditions children must face(now and as adults). a. Increased immorality. b. Climbing divorce rates. c. Rebellious attitudes. II. Body. A. Children need to prepare for life. 1. Esau's marriage to pagans indicates his intention to be worldly: Genesis 26:34-35. a. Surely she had not prepared her sons for this! b. Somewhere he missed the teaching(if given). (1 Do not understand today. (2 As see some behave and how they become involved in questionable activities: absent that day? (3 Wonder if parents do not miss: can warn on immodesty, dancing, vile speech, etc.--still permit offspring to endanger self. (4 "Grief of mind": can come later in life)(Hardly a parent who, at times, does not recall in question: "What did I do or not do?") c. Was Esau trying to redeem self or act in spite when: Genesis 28:8-9. (1 Explain relationship(feeling one mistake, makes another). (2 Children do sometimes act in spite (show adults what can do).(Not just small children: teenagers.) (3 Need to heed: I Corinthians 14:20. (4 Why did Esau not try at first to marry acceptable mate? d. Some may feel error(mistakes) of parents excuse conduct. (1 Observed favoritism of mother toward--Jacob. (2 Jacob seemed to be more loveable character than Esau. e. Esau: (1 Married "hastily"--without parent's approval. (2 Married wrong persons(pagans). (3 Did not have all proper reasons for marriage. f. A wrong marriage can be disastrous for life: Proverbs 12:4. g. Additionally: some suggest Rebekah loved Jacob more than truth and right(idolatry?). 2. Learn from Rebekah: prepare child for life. a. From cradle--thru teens(don't quit at 5). b. Put in time and effort to guide in right. B. We can learn from Rebekah the necessity of setting proper example. 1. Favoritism is a sad mistake by Rebekah(& Jacob). a. Imagine rivalry for approval and affection. b. Note: Genesis 25:28(How sad!) c. Comment on Genesis 27:46. (1 "I am weary of my life(kj)."(What about Esau?) (2 Note the interest in Jacob--why not shown in Esau? 2. Consider her example in securing the blessing: Genesis 27. a. Deception! (1 Make Jacob as Esau. (2 End justifies means? (3 Do you wonder how Jacob felt(permitted self to be used): mother's influence strong. (4 Further provoked disharmony in the household. (5 How taught today? (Leaving wrong impression. (Reason cannot do something. (Dealing with others. b. Disrespect. (1 Consider Isaac's physical condition(blind). (2 How talk and act before children in home? (3 In other's homes? (4 How much respect child has for: church, brethren, elders, preachers, teachers, etc.? C. Rebekah was one who complained too late. 1. Earlier preparation of Esau better: Ephesians 6:4. 2. Should have lived different example: Colossians 3:18-21. a. Is it not amazing how much children grow up to look like, act like, and think like: parents? b. Are the examples set before our children the very best? D. Before faulting Rebekah too much, consider Jacob. 1. Married out of love: Genesis 29:20. a. As he deceived--was deceived(cost: 7 years). b. Lasted lifetime because of foundation. c. Without proper foundation: 7 days seem like 7 years! 2. Was prepared for marriage. a. While at home--in Padan-aram(7 years). b. Had time to think it over before too late. c. Lasted until: Genesis 35:19. III. Conclusion: What are you learning about guiding your child toward life and marriage? After all, you brought them into life...-jy