Sometimes things don’t work out the way they should. Then, again, maybe they do.

Esau and Jacob

This seems especially true with regard to twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Esau was born first, hairy, ruddy, red complexioned. Thus he was named Esau. Esau relied on his brawn rather than his brain. Had his name been based on who he was instead of how he looked, his name should have been "Easy-Going," "Laid Back," or even "Slow." His was not a Type-A personality. He had no desire to be his class’ President and certainly not Valedictorian.

Jacob came out holding Esau’s heel. Even in utero, Jacob strove to be No. 1, first. And so the youngest twin was named, "Jacob." Literally, it means heel-grabber, leg-puller, supplanter, go-getter, the ambitious one.

Their father, Isaac, watches as Jacob, who is…