Genesis 25: 27-34
The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was a quiet man, staying among the tents. Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.)
Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”
“Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”
But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.
Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. He ate and drank, then he got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.
A Thought
Esau, as firstborn, was given the special honor of receiving a double inheritance of family wealth along with one day being the family leader. Esau despised his birthright and sold it to his brother for some bread and lentil stew. The thought that comes to my mind is why do some people refuse to receive the free gift of eternal life that Jesus the Christ has made available to all who will receive his work of grace by his life, death and resurrection. Esau gave away his birthright for bread and stew. What is so important that people today will not accept this rebirth that Christ has made so freely available? Do you think Esau regretted his decision? What about the choices we are making? Will we regret the choices we are making?
Our Prayer
Father led us by the power of your Holy Spirit to make choices that lead us to your promise of eternal life through your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to receive your word of truth that will teach us how to be set free from our old sinful nature. Help us to remember your love and rich promises that you have given to all who will believe in you. Today is the day of salvation. Help us to not regret or delay our decision. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
