Sometimes the behaviour of various biblical characters is shocking. Jacob steals his brother's birthright - something that is not his - by lies and trickery. The blessing that Isaac gives cannot be taken back. Are we supposed to follow his example? The story is not told so that we might imitate Jacob. It lets us know that in salvation history God's plan does not necessarily depend on appearances, social customs or traditions. Just as Jacob is the younger brother, so King David was the youngest of seven. Jacob will have struggle and suffering ahead of him, and the tables will be turned as his father-in-law Laban deceives him. The story should affirm that God uses human beings with all of their imperfections and shortcomings to accomplish His purposes - He even uses each one of us!

Fasting is something that one does in anticipation of the Messiah's coming. The disciples of Jesus have no need of fasting - He is already here. The little parable of the wineskin makes it clear that in this new Messianic age a new way of thinking about God - 'new wineskins' is absolutely necessary. Trying to understand the new ways of God with an old or overly rigid mindset prevents us from truly experiencing the fullness of God's revelation in our lives. True faith means not being afraid to have our minds and hearts stretched by new learning and experiences.