What lessons on faith can we learn from Rebekah's role in Romans 9:10? Romans 9:10 in Context “Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac.” (Romans 9:10) Paul uses Rebekah and her twins to illustrate how God’s saving plan has always rested on His promise rather than on human performance. Rebekah’s Story Behind the Verse • Genesis 25:21 – Isaac prays; the LORD grants Rebekah conception. • Genesis 25:22-23 – The struggling twins drive Rebekah to seek God; He reveals, “Two nations are in your womb… the older will serve the younger.” • Genesis 25:24-26 – Esau is born first, Jacob second, yet God’s word stands. • Romans 9:11-12 – Before birth, before any works, God’s choice is announced “so that God’s plan of election might stand, not by works but by Him who calls.” Faith Lesson #1 – Trust the Promise When Circumstances Clash Rebekah receives a divine word that overturns birth-order tradition. • God’s promises often run counter to visible norms (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • Faith embraces God’s declaration even when nothing outward affirms it (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith Lesson #2 – God’s Choice Rests on Grace, Not Merits • The twins are still in the womb when God speaks. • Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores the same truth: salvation is “not by works, so that no one may boast.” • Faith humbly acknowledges that every blessing flows from God’s unearned favor. Faith Lesson #3 – Seek the Lord in Struggle • Rebekah turns her discomfort into inquiry: “she went to inquire of the LORD” (Genesis 25:22). • Psalm 34:4 mirrors this: “I sought the LORD, and He answered me.” • Authentic faith does not ignore confusion; it carries it to God for clarity. Faith Lesson #4 – Passing Covenant Faith to the Next Generation • Rebekah’s womb becomes the stage where God’s redemptive plan advances. • Psalm 145:4 calls each generation to declare God’s works. • Believing parents partner with God’s promise, trusting Him to shape their children’s destinies. Faith Lesson #5 – Rest in Sovereign Assurance • Romans 9 showcases God’s absolute right to direct history. • Isaiah 46:10 affirms, “My purpose will stand, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.” • Faith rests, knowing no human force can thwart what God has spoken. Living It Today • Hold God’s word above cultural expectations and personal impressions. • Celebrate grace—every spiritual privilege is gift, not wage. • Turn inner wrestling into prayerful seeking. • Invest Scripture and prayer into the lives of children and disciples. • Stand confident: the God who chose Jacob while unborn is still directing every detail for His glory and our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). |
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