The parents of the twins, Esau & Jacob were Isaac and Rebekah.  They were married about twenty years without having a child.  Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife.  The Lord answered his prayer and she became pregnant.  During her pregnancy, the children were quite active and caused discomfort.  She prayed to the Lord asking, ‘If this is the Lord’s answer to my husband’s prayer, why am I in such discomfort?’  (Paraphrased)

The Lord heard her prayer and told her that she was carrying twins.  In fact, two nations were in her womb.  He also told her that the first born would serve the younger.  (Genesis 25:19-24)

Esau was born first and Jacob born immediately after because he was holding onto the heel of his firstborn brother.
(Genesis 25:25-26)

In Genesis 25:27-28 we learn much about Esau and Jacob
Esau – the firstborn                                              
Became a skillful hunter, an outdoorsman.
Jacob
A plain and quiet man, preferring his home.

Esau – the firstborn
Loved by his father, Isaac because Isaac really liked the meat Esau hunted and brought home.
Jacob
Loved by his mother, Rebekah.

As parents, Isaac and Rebekah had favorites.  Do you?  In your family, do you prefer one child over another?

It did not work out so well for this family.  It caused dissension and distress in the home.  It caused anger and resentment between the two brothers.  It led to lies and deception and threats.
It also caused estrangement in the family.

We learn from God’s word about the dangers of having favorites among our children.  God’s word tells it like it is; God never skirts around an issue.  His word always reveals the good, the bad and the ugly.  Because He is God – He never lies. He has lessons for us from every part of His word.

The living God does not have “favorites” or grandchildren.  All followers of Christ are His children.  He loves us, just as we are.  He knows the plans He has for us and they are good plans, He gives us a future and a hope.

(NASB) Jeremiah 29:11-13 “‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
12 ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
13 ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

~ Take it to heart ~

  Parents are to seek the Lord as they raise their children; loving each one, without playing any favorites.