Abraham was 100 years old when Sarah gave birth to Isaac. His son Isaac, also had a long wait, he was 60 years old - then he got 2 at once - twins. While children are a blessing from the Lord, sometimes you want to send them back where they came from.....you love them, but hate their behavior. Isaac and Rebekah knew they were in for trouble before the twins were even born, when they started fighting with each other within the womb. This was giving Rebekah such a hard time, she “asked the Lord about it” and he answered her:

And he told her, “The sons in your womb shall become two rival nations. One will be stronger than the other; and the older shall be a servant of the younger!” - Genesis 25:23.

This family lacked unity - the twins fighting each other, and the parents playing favorites. Isaac’s favorite was Esau - he was a man’s man with all that red-headed energy channeled into hunting and physical occupations. Jacob was his mother’s favorite, a mama's boy, more cerebral and less sporty - in today’s world he would probably be a nerd. Like the rest of us, God loves the underdog and when it comes to the “survival of the fittest", Esau was the champion hunter and Jacob was the 90lb weakling getting sand kicked in his face. They had very different personalities. Yet it is Jacob from whom the Jews and Jesus are descended. Eventually peace was made between them, but it took a long time. Then their descendants the Arabs and the Jews picked up the fight, which still continues on with the War in Gaza. The Middle East today shows how really nasty a family feud can get.

Jesus prayed for us to have unity and here at home and in Australia, we need to be there for our families and neighbors right now. As I write, I can hear the torrential rain on the roof and I just watched the reports of flooding in Australia and here in Taranaki, Waikato, Hawkes Bay and the damage in the Nelson/Marlborough district. Please, stay safe, stay inside and don't venture out onto the flooded roads unless absolutely necessary, keep the family calm and together. Those not effected please pray, those who are already will be....I also saw the report on the homeless in Rotorua, I know many will have mental health issues, addiction issues and are on the street through their own actions - but NOT all, and all need help. Some just need a hand up and a WINZ advocate. So I want to issue a timely reminder, do whatever you are able to help:

If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead by itself.- James 2:15-17