Mothering: Don’t Be Like Rebekah Motherhood is a sacred trust from God. Mothers are divinely positioned to nurture faith, shape character, and guide destinies. However, Scripture honestly presents both positive and negative examples so that we may learn wisdom. Rebekah, the wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, is one such example. Though chosen by God and favored with prophetic insight, her actions in Genesis 27 reveal serious errors that modern parents—especially mothers—must avoid. This sermon is not to condemn Rebekah, but to instruct believers on how not to parent, especially when dealing with destiny, favoritism, manipulation, and impatience with God’s process. BACKGROUND: WHO WAS REBEKAH? Rebekah was a woman of faith and courage (Genesis 24). God spoke to her directly concerning the future of her unborn sons: “Two nations are in thy womb… and the elder shall serve the younger.” (Genesis 25:23) However, knowing God’s will is not the same as trusting God’s way. Rebekah made the mistake of helping God through deception. LESSONS FROM REBEKAH: DON’T BE LIKE HER 1. Don’t Practice Favoritism Among Children “And Isaac loved Esau… but Rebekah loved Jacob.” (Genesis 25:28) Rebekah openly favored Jacob. This favoritism divided the family and planted seeds of hatred and rivalry. Favoritism destroys unity and damages destinies. God commands parents to love their children impartially (Colossians 3:21). 2. Don’t Manipulate Destiny Through Deception. Rebekah devised a plan for Jacob to steal Esau’s blessing by lying to Isaac (Genesis 27:6–17). God’s promises do not require sinful methods. What God has ordained, He will bring to pass without deceit. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) 3. Don’t Encourage Children to Sin for Success Rebekah coached Jacob on how to lie and disguise himself. “Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice.” (Genesis 27:13) Parents must never teach children that the end justifies the means. Spiritual success achieved through sin invites sorrow. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) 4. Don’t Undermine God-Ordained Authority Instead of trusting God to work through Isaac, Rebekah went behind her husband’s back. God values order in the family. Undermining authority creates long-term chaos and regret. 5. Don’t Rush God’s Timing Though Jacob was destined to lead, Rebekah rushed the process, leading to painful consequences: Jacob fled from home Rebekah never saw Jacob again Family unity was destroyed Impatience can delay or complicate destiny. Waiting on God is always safer than helping God. “He that believeth shall not make haste.” (Isaiah 28:16) CONSEQUENCES OF REBEKAH’S ACTIONS ** Family division (Genesis 27:41) ** Jacob’s exile (Genesis 27:43) ** Lifelong sorrow ** Loss of peace in the home Even when God’s purpose prevailed, Rebekah paid a heavy emotional price. POSITIVE CONTRAST: WHAT MOTHERS SHOULD DO INSTEAD -- Pray, not plot (1 Samuel 1:10–11) -- Guide children in truth, not tricks (Proverbs 22:6) -- Trust God’s sovereignty over children’s future (Psalm 127:3–5) -- Teach integrity, patience, and faith CONCLUSION Rebekah teaches us a powerful lesson: Good intentions do not excuse wrong actions. God does not need manipulation, favoritism, or deception to fulfill His promises. Mothers are called to be mentors of truth, models of faith, and guardians of integrity. Let every mother say: “I will trust God with my children’s destiny and not interfere with His process.” CALL TO REFLECTION Are you favoring one child over another? Are you pushing destiny through unhealthy means? Are you trusting God or trying to control outcomes? Return to God’s way today. PRAYER Lord, help us to parent according to Your wisdom. Deliver us from favoritism, manipulation, and impatience. Teach us to trust You fully with the destinies You have placed in our hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Pastor Abiodun Kadri #ChristianMotherhood #ParentingGodsWay #TrustGodsProcess #BiblicalParenting #IntegrityInTheHome #FaithOverFavoritism #MothersWithPurpose #LetGodLead