Yet, when Isaac sent his beloved son Jacob to the same region for a wife, he provided him nothing more than a small quantity of bread and oil, entrusted to him by his mother. What could explain this disparity? The reason lies in Isaac's profound faith in God and his unwavering trust in divine Providence. He commended Jacob to God's care, firmly believing that God would not abandon his son but would ensure his safety throughout the journey and facilitate everything in the best possible manner upon his arrival at Laban's. Thus, as he released Jacob to set forth, he did not endow him with riches but bestowed upon him his paternal blessing; he did not dispatch attendants, but instead offered his prayers, committing his son to the Providence of God—Providence that he himself had experienced firsthand. When Isaac was to be sacrificed by his father Abraham, he inquired, “Father, behold the fire and the wood, where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” And Abraham responded, “God will see to Himself for a lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:7-8). This was fulfilled, and God indeed provided the lamb, ensuring Isaac's safety. From that moment on, Isaac never questioned God's Providence; he consistently placed his confidence in it. By entrusting Jacob to God, Isaac allowed him to travel as if shielded and armored by numerous regiments of soldiers.
Jacob himself placed his faith in God, having been taught by his righteous parents, Isaac and Rebekah. He journeyed onward without fear, uncertain of nothing, keeping his gaze on the one true God, placing unwavering trust in Him. In a miraculous dream, he recognized God's presence and protective provision, wherein the Lord assured him, “Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again to this land; for I will not leave thee until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of” (Genesis 28:15). From this, we learn to depend on God and His holy Providence and to place our faith in Him without trepidation, for He does not abandon those who trust in Him, but orchestrates all good and useful things according to His will and mercy. If He cares for those who do not believe, showering grace upon all, much more does He care for those who place their entire trust in Him.
Consider the example of God's Providence for the Israelites in the wilderness, who, despite being ungrateful and faithless—even after witnessing God's mighty works—were quick to turn toward idolatry, grumbling against God. As the psalmist reflects: “A stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God... They forgot His works and His wonders that He had showed them” (Psalm 78:8-11). Thanks to His steadfast Providence, however, God did not forsake them. He nourished them with manna, sent quails for sustenance, made bitter waters sweet, brought forth a spring from the rock, preserved their clothing for forty years, and promised their garments would never wear out. He fought their battles and protected them from their enemies, providing miraculous healing through the brazen serpent, and even among them there was no infirmity until they entered the promised land. The psalmist notes, “There was no sickness among their tribes” (Psalm 104:37). Such was God's Providence, tenderly caring for His people. Hence, if God shows care for the ungrateful, how much more will He care for those who serve Him faithfully, who trust in Him wholeheartedly?
Is it not true that if God nourishes those ungrateful souls, He will surely provide for those who express gratitude? If He supplies needs for the indifferent, will He not do more for those who love Him? He does not abandon those who draw near to Him; He affirms, “I will not leave thee” (Genesis 28:15). Again, “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15). Often, people worry excessively about two things: the cares of this temporary life and essentials for living. Many seek prosperity and an abundance of food, drink, and shelter, but few prioritize their salvation. The Lord instructs us in the Gospel, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). The Lord is true to His word; He cares for those servants who earnestly pursue the Kingdom of God, serve Him diligently, and rely on His Providence. He nurtures their lives, rendering them fruitful and fulfilling their needs abundantly.
He orchestrates their lives well, just as He did for the righteous Jacob. Should challenges arise for His servants, He does not abandon them; instead, He delivers them from trials and grants them favorable outcomes, as exemplified in the life of Joseph. Despite being loathed by his brothers, cast into a pit, sold into slavery, and wronged by a woman that led him to prison, he ultimately was raised to a position of power in Egypt. God's provision encompasses everything His servants need. Did He not sustain Elijah during famine through an angel and nourish him with food delivered by ravens? Did He not sustain Daniel in the lion's den with food from Habakkuk? Did He not miraculously supply thirst-quenching water for Samson from a jawbone? Did He not prevent the virtuous widow of Zarephath from starving, sending a prophet to ensure her flour and oil did not run out? And when the widow of a prophet found herself in dire straits, threatened by a creditor, she was not abandoned by God’s Providence. God filled many vessels with oil from a single jar, enough not only to settle her debts but also to sustain her and her children for an extended period.
Consider King Jehoshaphat who, alongside Joram, endured a week without water with his troops. Did the Lord let them perish from thirst? He sent rain and a river to revitalize them, demonstrating His care even to those who behave wickedly. All this occurred in the Old Testament; what then can we say of the many beloved of God in the New Testament? I'll share two accounts briefly: Saint Alexander, founder of the sleepless monastery, received pure warm bread sent by God’s Providence while in the desert. When Saint Theophanes lived as a layman, he was miraculously provided with a spring of fresh water during the intense heat of harvest.
Thus, God provides for our daily needs if we place our trust in Him. Jacob serves as an example; he ventured forth from his parents’ home in poverty, yet when he returned from Laban's, he did so with great wealth, despite leaving as a beggar. From this account, may parents learn the significance of entrusting their children to God’s Providence as Isaac did, providing them with the inheritance of faith rather than merely material wealth. Saint Chrysostom emphasizes this teaching by pointing out that when someone considers leaving behind material riches, they risk their children being left to unknown fortunes. However, if they leave God as their co-heir, they bestow upon them immeasurable treasures.
In times of need, when we surrender our concerns to God, He intervenes in ways we cannot foresee. May we not focus solely on securing wealth for our children but rather ensure they inherit virtue and faithfulness. The life of the seemingly humble yet faithful is far more valuable in God’s Kingdom than mere riches.
THEOSIS