Summary: When Esau and Jacob were born, Esau came first. They named him after his red, hairy skin. Jacob came second. His hand was grabbing his brother's heel, so they called him Jacob, which means "Grabber." Both of these guys from the Old Testament lived up to their names: Esau with his wild, hairy, mountain-man attitude, and Jacob with his cutthroat desire to climb to the top. He went after his brother's birthright, and he got it. Later, of course, he was on the run, hiding from his brother who wanted to kill him. Although Jacob was deceitful and sly at first, God had a wonderful plan for his life. The Lord worked on him and changed him over many years. Beyond Jacob's faults we see God's character as He reveals Himself in the life of a man. God reveals Himself in your life and through your life, too. Paul's letter to the Philippians says, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Let the Lord speak through your life to others. Just be obedient and faithful, and let God's character shine through you! That, my friend, is influence!
