I’m reading the story of Jacob stealing his brother’s blessing this morning (again not one of my favorite stories). But the Holy Spirit reveals two truths to me as I am reading.

Truth #1
After Jacob had deceived his father and stolen his brother’s blessing, Esau returns and begs his father for a blessing. He is rightfully angry with his brother. As firstborn, the blessing belonged to him. “Is there any blessing left?”, he cries out to his father. His father finally says this:

“You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. But when you decide to break free, you will shake his yoke from your neck.” Genesis‬ ‭27:40‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The last statement is powerful. “When you decide to break free…” we get to choose freedom. We get to choose to forgive. We get to choose not to allow our anger, our disappointment, the injustices inflicted upon us to keep us oppressed. When we decide, enough is enough, we can shake the yoke from our necks and walk in freedom.

Truth #2
As New Testament Christians, no power of hell, no one or no thing can steal the blessing God has prepared in advanced for us. Paul declared, “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans‬ ‭8:31‬) No scheme of man, no disease, no job loss, no divorce, no setback, nothing, can thwart the blessing of God on your life. It’s all working together for your good.

When Jacob and Esau met again, Esau had found his freedom. He no longer was angry with his brother. When his brother offered him an offering, Esau said, “I have plenty!”

Friends, choose freedom today! The bad that has happened to you will only serve to impel you into your destiny if you allow it. Choose to see what God is doing. Reject bitterness. Reject unforgiveness. Reject a anger. Decide to be free today and shake the yoke from around your neck.