You never know who's watching.

There's a tiny detail in Jacob and Esau's story that holds a big lesson.

I’m reading through all of the Old Testament this summer. A small task, I know. But I’m taking two classes on the OT and that’s part of the assignment.

Can I be honest? I’ve been a little overwhelmed by that. Maybe a lot overwhelmed. I read all of the New Testament this spring for two other classes but A) it’s shorter and B) I’m generally more interested in the NT. So as I’ve been reading the OT, I’ve asked the Lord to really help me not just complete the assignment, but enjoy it. To let it speak to me. To show me things.

And he’s already started. I’m only through Genesis, and I’m already surprised at what I’m finding. One of those finds has to do with the story of Jacob and Esau. Not the story of Jacob fleecing Esau or tricking Isaac. No, this story is of something else that I’ve glossed over for years. And yet, it’s a powerful, powerful lesson.

In fact, I think this lesson has important implications for anyone raising young children—whether that be parents or grandparents. So if that’s you, you’ll want to keep reading.

And it’s all in a very small detail. A small detail that I think makes a big difference.