Faith & Family Business

Jacob, Esau, and Second Chances (Genesis 27:3-4)

Feb 14, 2021

Welcome to my weekly Faith and Family Business reflections, where I (briefly) probe important questions that arise in family business – questions relating to behavior, relationships and legacy – from the angle of a Biblical story. For more information about this series, click here.

We know from earlier verses that Isaac loved Esau, and Rebekah loved Jacob. As Isaac grows older and begins to fail in health, he makes a special request of Esau.

“Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me, and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.” (Gen. 27:3-4)

In the lead-up to this moment, Esau had traded away his birthright to his rival sibling, and married spouses that disappointed his parents. Family life was probably not much fun. But now, Esau had a chance to receive his father’s blessing. He had finally returned to a position of favor! By serving his father, Esau had the opportunity to restore some of what he’d lost through his poor choices.

One of the expectations of being in a family or family business is a “second chance.” Through our shared history and commitment as sons, daughters, siblings or parents, we are, hopefully, afforded an opportunity to recover from our mistakes. With that chance comes a feeling of relief, a sense that all is not lost.

Have you ever been given a second chance by one of your family members? In your family, who might need another shot — an opportunity to receive your blessing?

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