Twins Inside

Strife began before their birth

Prior to deeds of shame or worth

Jacob grasped his brother’s heel

God’s twin plan was thus revealed

Esau was his Father’s joy

Ruddy faced, the hairy boy

Happy hunting in the field

Bringing in a savory yield

Jacob was a Mother’s son

Smooth of skin, the quiet one

Pleased to dwell among the tents

With his mother’s shrewd consent

Trading birthright for a meal

Esau made a hasty deal

Held his status in derision

Later mourning that decision

At the birth there was a sign

Father scorned the choice divine

With his vision sore decreased

Ordered Esau’s tasty feast

Mother had a crafty plan

To promote the chosen man

Made a feast of two young goats

Jacob put on Esau’s coat

Father fooled by mother’s con

Esau found the blessing gone               

Then he wanted Jacob dead

Filled a mother’s heart with dread

Jacob flew from brother’s hand

Wrestled God in the Holy Land

Saw a ladder in a dream

Wondered what it all could mean

Father and Esau lacked foresight

Stumbling over their appetites  

Jacob suffered years of pain

Humbled for deceitful gain

All these stories were recorded

So that we might be rewarded

With examples from the past

Written down from first to last

There are twins inside of me

Flesh and Spirit disagree

Spirit is willing, Flesh is weak

Flesh is prideful, Spirit is meek

God stepped down and called my name

Swept my legs and left me lame

But by His mercy I am blessed

When in Christ’s virtue I am dressed