A Godly Heritage

Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre in Kiriath-Arab (that is Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. Isaac lived 180 years. He took his last breath and died, and was gathered to his people, old and full of days. His sons Esau and Jacob buried him. Genesis 35:27-29

When I was reading the account of Jacob's return I wondered why he did not go and visit his father first. Now he may well have. Esau had met him on the way and asked that he come at his own pace but it was not mentioned that they had been in contact, yet we find later they must have been because there was not enough room for them all to live in the one place together.

In the last part of this chapter we see Jacob's name changed by God to Israel yet now the account of his visit to his father, the scripture  calls him Jacob again. We meet people who change their names at times, some prefer their middle name, some, like my daughter, prefers her nick name. My sister is Anne Cecille, I have always known her as Cec. She was named after one of my grandfathers, Cecil Smith. Others may call Cec Anne but her family know her as Cec.

Isaac had settled where Abraham had settled and was also near the burial ground of his father and mother. In Isaac's later years perhaps he wanted to be closer to his parents, or perhaps it as just a good place to live. I returned to Tamworth to be near family. I have lived with my mother for over a year now and next week am moving into my own home. It is a good move, my own space. I love my mother but now I must have my own space because God wants to do new things and I am up for it. 

Jacob had gone away for many years and returned with a huge family, none of who knew Isaac. It would be good for them to know him and hear his stories of his father Abraham, the father of faith. Heritage is important, and this one especially so, a godly heritage is best.