The Sins of the Patriarchs

Gen 35:22 And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

1. Why did Reuben go into his father's concubine?
2. Why did Isaac have a concubine?

I weary of reading of the Patriarchs and their sinful ways; polygamy, taking wive's maids to themselves, visiting prostitutes. It is amazing that God could ever use any of these people.

Well, we can glean a few things from these stories.
1. God is no respecter of persons. Even tho these people were key to God's overall plan, they all paid dearly for their transgressions. As Moses said so long ago, your sins shall find you out.
2. The Bible tells it like it is, blemishes and all. No other "holy book" tells the whole truth about its "heroes."
3. If God can use these guys, He can use anybody, blemishes and all. God is able to salvage, rectify, reclaim and redeem. No matter how far we stray, the Father of prodigals awaits His erring children.
4. In reality, we are all under the condemnation of sin, until freed by grace. The sins of the patriarchs is glaring because they are recorded for the scrutiny of the ages. Our sins are hidden to most, but not to God.

Father, how pained you must be to witness your erring children as we fail to do that which we are called to accomplish and even more often, we commit that which is forbidden. Thank you for your love, patience, mercy and grace. Especially, we thank you for the blood of Jesus which cleanses all sin. Forgive us, not only of that which we have committed but that which we have thought which is contrary to your law. With your leadership and strength, may we steer clear of temptation today and draw ever the closer to your side. Amen!