He went in to his father and said, “My father.” “Yes, my son,” he answered. “Who is it?”

Sir Walter Scott penned the famous words, “O, what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive.”

Blessing was a part of ancient Jewish life. Jacob was well aware of the procedure and the fact that the blessing of a dying father was meant to be given to his first-born male heir. Yet Jacob allowed his mother, Rebekah, to lead him down the path of deceit. The two plotted to have Jacob receive the blessing meant for his brother Esau and in the process they deceived the patriarch, Isaac. Lies led to hatred between brothers as Esau’s anger fanned into flames and he threatened to kill Jacob, who had already conned his brother out of his birthright.

We could also discuss at great length Jacob’s subsequent years working for his mother’s brother, Laban, and the deceit and infamous tricks Jacob used against his future father-in-law. The fact remains that Scripture bears out the fact that Jacob found favor with God and was blessed by God because he was the heir to the promise God had given his grandfather, Abraham.

And yet, we know that lies and deceit are instruments of Satan. Lies have been a mainstay in Satan’s arsenal since Adam and Eve. But Jesus taught us, “You shall know the truth and truth shall make you free.” Jesus IS truth. As long as our allegiance is to Christ, we are holding on to the Giver of all truth.

God of truth, may our hearts be willing to speak Truth at all times and in all circumstances, that the world may know we are Yours!