Parashat Toldot

Gen 25:19-28:9

It is hard enough to do the will of God yourself, but imagine having to trust another to do it on your behalf. Isaac waited in anticipation for Abraham's servant, Eliezer to return. The mission and purpose of Eliezer was important. Abraham trusted his judgment and abilities but also trusted his God. Notice the flow of prayer reverences:

Gen 24: 7 Abraham references the promise that God spoke to him and states that God will send an angel ahead of Eliezer to help him find a suitable wife; vs 12 Eliezer prayed that God would speed his journey and show kindness to his master Abraham, then makes a petition; vs 21 Eliezer sees his petition fulfilled before him; vs 26-27 then he worships God; vs 35-48 and testifies; vs 60 Rebekah's was blessed and sent with a prayer that she would be the mother of thousands of millions and that her seed possess the gate, or conquer, those who hate them; and in vs 63 Isaac was praying in the field when Rebekah arrived.

Much needed excitement was abounding in Isaac's home. Rebekah was chosen by God and was a great consolation to Isaac. Parashat Toldot picks up here and we find that after this great move of God's providence, that Isaac and Rebekah had spent 20 years barren and had no children. After that, when Isaac entreated the Lord and Rebekah conceived, she learns that two nations are in her womb and both would have conflicting futures. The parashat depicts flawed people, living real lives and somehow the will of God ultimately comes out through their struggling, striving, and snarling at each other...which is a miracle in and of itself.

Doing the will of God sometimes resembles the same picture in the parashat. It seems like we are trying to climb up a treacherous mountain in the snow, with a team of hecklers, saboteurs, and hijackers in tow trying to stop or minimize what God has called us to be or do. If that is not enough, then life happens, our own weaknesses come into play, or we find ourselves in a place of waiting. Waiting is not rejection or abandonment. It is a place where our character and faith are refined and where prayer has a central place.

Abraham and Isaac's example is that prayer is not the last thing to do when all else fails, it is the first thing done and it is continuously pursued. Our prayers and worship are what brings the will and person of God into the forefront of life so that the Kingdom can progress. We tend to think that God speaks and suddenly everything unfolds without problems. This happens sometimes, but most of the time God's purpose and life problems occur hand in hand.

If we move forward in ministry it will not be solely because we are talented, smart, or have connections. It is normal for things to get adverse on every side and we find ourselves dependent on God to hold us close and strengthen us. God's process creates dependency. This dependency places many things outside of our control. Our lack of control creates faith in God's provision, protection, and power.

What do you speak in prayer when you are in that barren place where things seem to be spinning out of control. If I may paraphrase a word that I received from a friend. Remember that God chose us, wooed us, and called us. He will not leave us hungry, tired, or weary but he calls us into his arms so that he can give us his peace, comfort, and fill our minds with clarity. Even if it looks like the world is against us, God is for us and has called us to be a light to his people. He calls us to rest and be nurtured by him and he will lead us in the way that we should go.

Many times the adversity of the world testifies loudest that we are pursuing the will and purpose of God because it is adverse to everything God wants to bring to birth. Toldot gives us a generational testimony that God is faithful and can accomplish his will even in the middle of human imperfections. If you are in that place of adversity or barrenness, don't worry. You are in good hands. He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day Yeshua returns. (Phil 1:6)

Rav Calev Apostolic Messianic International-Gulf Coast Parler, Rumble, Facebook