A TRAGEDY

 

I don’t know of anyone in the Old Testament whose life was as interesting, eventful and difficult as that of Jacob.

Destined from birth to carry forth the patriarchal line and obtain the rights of the priesthood, no doubt he was groomed to be the next patriarch by his visionary mother through whom this revelation came (see Genesis 25:22-23). The way the birthright fell into his hands marks the beginning of his extraordinary life.

In reality, Jacob did not cheat his brother of his birthright. Esau gave it away and Jacob took it, and only for one reason….he did not value it. In fact, he despised it (Genesis 25:34). This he confirmed by marrying the daughters of Canaanites who were descendants of Cain hence their children could not have the rights to the priesthood (Genesis 26:34,35). Thus Esau broke the covenant line and was not entitled to his birthright.

Esau started marrying the Canaanite women at 40 years of age, before the birthright blessing was given (Genesis 26:34). Forty years gave him plenty of time to prove himself worthy. Isaac could see this, I am sure, because he would not revoke the blessing once he realised it was given to Jacob, which he could have done as priesthood holders are given the keys to bind and loose on earth and have that action validated in heaven (see Matthew 16:19).

Esau felt bitterly sorry for losing his birthright and begged his father to correct the deception perpetrated on his father (Genesis 27:38). But not sorry enough….when he realised that the damage was irreversible his rebellious character showed itself even more. He made his way to his uncle Ishmael and married his daughter Mahalath to spite his father (Genesis 28:8,9). And so the priesthood covenant was in the right hands with Jacob.

From this point on Jacob’s life takes an interesting turn. He is sent by his parents to Rachel’s brother in Haran to seek a wife from the right lineage. There he not only gains one wife but four and consequently 13 children in total, 12 sons and 1 daughter. And so began the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

I can see Esau in many men who have rejected their rights to the priesthood and have left the Church. I have wondered how they will feel when one day they realise what they have lost. What bitter tears will be shed when they are told that there is no forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come if they have turned away from the covenant of the priesthood once they have received it (D&C 84:41).

On the positive side, the oath and covenant of the priesthood entitles those who honour it, to all that the Father has. This oath and covenant the Father cannot break, ‘neither can it be moved’ (v 40). Is there a greater blessing and a greater promise than this??? I think not….

The Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God was restored through Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery that the power of godliness might be manifest to men of this dispensation (D&C 110:11-16). The promise everlasting, the blessings assured. I bow my knee before such power…..

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: Restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood by Walter Rane)