COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Genesis 25:19-34
Once again, God seems to linger in fulfilling his promise to make a great nation of Abraham's progeny. Isaac is 40 by the time he married Rebekah. Another 20 years expire before his wife gives birth to the twins, Esau and Jacob. Perhaps the Lord wants to demonstrate that this business of nation building is his doing, not a human accomplishment. Esau, being firstborn, earns the birthright, but foolishly sells it to his scheming brother for a pot of stew.

Old Testament: Isaiah 55:1-5, 10-13
Second Isaiah concludes his prophecies by expressing his joy at the prospect of the imminent return and restoration of his people. The prophet extends the Lord's invitation for the people to come to him, the font of all blessing. They are to look to him for sus…