We get a glimpse into the nature of the twins today. Interesting how each parent felt a particular connection to one of the boys. We hear that Isaac’s love was in part due to Esau’s great skill at hunting and all the good meat he would bring home. While Rebekah enjoyed having Jacob near her, working with her around the house. As a parent, I can say that I don’t prefer one child over the other. I have enough love for all. But there are certain things I prefer in each of them. It’s how God gifted them, to be unique, and that is a beautiful thing.
But the lesson I heard here went deeper into their character descriptions. Esau let his hunger overtake his good sense. He was more interested in getting some food in his belly then realizing the sacrifice he had made in giving Jacob his birthright. It’s curious to me why Jacob would be so intent on that. He must have realized that his father preferred Esau, and for his future to be protected he would need to intervene.
What’s the lesson here for us? Keep things in perspective. Don’t let the strong desire for something (like power, prestige, or some possession) cloud your judgment and make you jump to a conclusion or a make a decision you will later regret. There can be costs associated with certain decisions. It is up to us to weigh those costs and determine if the “thing” is worth it or not. Esau clearly did not do this.
We may also find ourselves pressured into a decision and our reality will be distorted. We see that Esau was over the top hungry, “starved” in fact. His judgment was clouded by his situation and desire for immediate gratification. Our society is full of examples where immediate gratification is available. Fast food restaurants, instant downloads of digital products, etc. to name a few.
We need to be careful to keep the proper perspective. What is that exactly? We need to start with knowing what our values are and what we believe in. If we say we believe in God, and that Jesus is our Savior, we need to really believe that and internalize it so everything we do is done through the lens of that belief. What are your values and are you living them out?
For instance, if we want to be more Christlike in our actions, we need to truly understand what that looks like in all situations. When people look at our lives (and that is the best sermon of all, by the way), what do they see? Do they see someone who seeks immediate gratification, running from this opportunity to that opportunity, pleasure-seeking at all costs, etc.? Or do they see a servant-heart in action, loving and caring for others.
Will we stumble? Of course. We just need to be careful that when we stumble it doesn’t have kingdom consequences. When we realize our errors, we correct them, ask forgiveness for them, and try to do better next time. I’m not sure Esau is going to have the same opportunity here. He gave up his birthright. That’s a big deal. You can’t just take it back. However, this was an oath between the brothers. Will it be binding?
You may recall God already told Rebekah that the older son would serve the descendants of the younger son. How could that happen exactly if Esau was the one in charge? Why would he serve the “lesser” brother from an inheritance standpoint? Esau was “indifferent” to the fact he’d given up his birthright. He must have been hungry!
Take a moment today to think through what may be blinding you from the proper perspective. What is holding you back or limiting you from the life God intends for you?
Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me for forging on at times without giving thought to the consequences. I want people to see you in me, and when I lose that perspective, I feel lost. Thank you that you always open your arms to me and welcome my wayward heart. Continue to bless my ministry and this blog as it reaches more and more people with your love. Give me the words, the vision and the direction for each encounter today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
