The Gate of Heaven by Gilbert Morris Page B

wanted to scream in frustration. “What about your vision, Mother. What about—” Jacob put his hand to his chest. No, I must not say anything about the medallion .
    â€œI do not know. Maybe your father will change his mind.” Rebekah placed her hand on Jacob’s shoulder. “If he weren’t so ill, he’d see that you were treated better.”
    Jacob felt a pang of compassion for his mother, for Isaac was very stubborn where Esau was concerned. “Don’t worry about it,” he said. “We’ll work something out.”

    The next day Jacob tried to speak with Esau concerning the behavior of his wives. The two were standing out looking over the flocks where Esau, for once, had come to help with the shearing. He was a good hand at this when he wanted to be, but his interest usually tapered off after a hard day’s work, and he would go off hunting again. He had listened impatiently while Jacob explained that their father was feeble and didn’t need to listen to his wives complain.
    â€œJust let me know if they give Father any more trouble. I’ll give them both a beating.”
    That’s his answer for everything, Jacob thought with disgust, and he changed the subject to the flock. “It’s time to move from here, Esau.”
    â€œNo, it’s not time yet.”
    â€œBut the grass is nearly gone, and our herds have grown. We’ve got to move up north.”
    Esau stared at Jacob and merely clamped his lips together and shook his head. Jacob continued to explain the need for the move, but Esau finally waved his hand and said, “I’m not ready to move yet.”
    â€œBut the herds—”
    â€œLook—Father’s illness has put me in charge of this clan. Despite your trickery, Father knows I am the better leader. And I’ll tell you something else, Jacob—when Father dies, I’ll be the master. Then you’ll have to work instead of being a woman. Mother spoils you, but I’ll take care of that.”
    â€œThat’s not fair, Esau. I work very hard.”
    But Esau just shook his head and shouted, “We’re not moving and that’s final! Now, don’t talk to me about this again.”

    â€œBut, Father, it’s time to move,” Jacob pleaded. “We’re losing animals for the first time. You’ve got to talk to Esau.”
    â€œI can’t do that,” Isaac said in his tired, gravelly voice. His voice had once been clear and strong, but those days were gone now. He was sitting on a mat in his tent while Rebekah did her work, listening. She motioned for Jacob to continue. It had been her idea for Jacob to talk with Isaac, but her son was convinced it was a waste of time.
    â€œFather, you’ve got to listen to me. For some reason God has blessed us here. We’ve never had such harvests, and we’ve never had such increase in our herds. But we’ve got to use good judgment. Esau doesn’t know much about the animals. He’s too interested in hunting.”
    â€œYou’ve always complained about your brother, Jacob. I don’t want to hear it.”
    Jacob threw up his hands and would have left, but Rebekah intervened. “You’ve got to listen to him, Isaac. Jacob is right.”
    â€œAnd you always stick up for him, Rebekah. You’ve spoiled him.”
    â€œYou’ve been listening to Esau,” Jacob said bitterly.
    â€œEveryone knows that you’re your mother’s favorite.”
    â€œAnd everyone knows Esau is your favorite!” Jacob spat out before he could think. He saw that the words hurt Isaac, and he immediately apologized. “I’m sorry, Father, but there’s some truth to it.”
    â€œWell, he’s the firstborn.”
    Jacob bit his lip, and Rebekah spoke up. “You’ve got to do something for Jacob, Isaac. He needs a portion. He’s worked hard all of his life, and he deserves a