On January 3, 2004 NASA exploration rover Spirit landed on Mars, and the next day the rover Opportunity landed there.  They were intended to be in operation for 90 days, but both exceeded that, with Opportunity working nearly 15 years.  Both rovers found dramatic evidence that Mars was at one time much wetter and could have sustained microbial life, if any existed.

        “Words from Above” in the Bible tell us about the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, with Esau born first and Jacob following him.  Isaac prayed to the Lord for Rebekah because she had no children, and soon she was able to conceive.  When she struggled with her pregnancy, she asked the Lord about it, and was told that she would give birth to two nations, one being stronger than the other, and the elder child serving the younger.

        The first to be born was Esau, and the second child, Jacob held on to Esau’s heel as he came into the world.  Isaac showed favoritism to Esau, whereas Rebekah showed favoritism to Jacob. Esau grew to be a hunter, whereas Jacob liked to stay at home.  When Esau came home one day from hunting, he asked Jacob for a bowl of red porridge, but Jacob only agreed if Esau gave him his birthright.  This was a special right designed for the firstborn, but Esau concluded it would do him no good if he died from hunger, and so he agreed to do it.

        Near the end of his life, Isaac asked Esau to prepare a special venison meal for him, after which he promised to give him a special blessing meant for the firstborn.  While Esau was gone, Jacob deceived his father, with the help of his mother, into thinking he was Esau, and succeeded in receiving the special blessing from his father.  Isaac pronounced the following blessing on Jacob: “Let people serve you, and nations bow down to you: be lord over your brethren, and let your mother's sons bow down to you: cursed be every one that curses you, and blessed be he who blesses you.”

        Just like the NASA Opportunity rover landed on Mars after Spirit had landed, but outlived and outworked Spirit, so Jacob lived a life superior to Esau.  They became two separate nations, with Jacob being the stronger nation.  After telling a parable about an owner of a vineyard paying all his workers the same despite working a different number of hours, Jesus said, “So the last shall be first and the first last, for many are called but few are chosen.”  Likewise, all who put themselves first will be seen as last in the eyes of God.

        Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church o Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For more information, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.