Genesis 25:27-34New American Standard Bible (NASB)
27 When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a [a]peaceful man, [b]living in tents. 28 Now Isaac loved Esau, because [c]he had a taste for game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 When Jacob had cooked stew, Esau came in from the field and he was [d]famished; 30 and Esau said to Jacob, “Please let me have a swallow of [e]that red stuff there, for I am [f]famished.” Therefore his name was called [g]Edom. 31 But Jacob said, “[h]First sell me your birthright.” 32 Esau said, “Behold, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?” 33 And Jacob said, “[i]First swear to me”; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to
Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
Do
you ever feel as though you are missing out on God’s rich blessings? Certainly
hardship is a part of life, and we can’t have everything we ask to receive. But
if we act foolishly, we might also miss out on some of the good things the Lord
has in mind to give us.
That
is exactly what happened with Esau in today’s passage. He was famished when he
returned from a hunting trip. His brother Jacob offered a bowl of soup in
exchange for Esau’s birthright. And the trade was accepted.
Doesn't
it seem foolish that this older brother would make such a swap? Yet if we’re
not careful—that is, if we are spiritually shortsighted—we, too, can give up
what is excellent for temporary satisfaction.
A
person acting in this way exhibits certain characteristics. For one thing, he
makes decisions based on today, without considering tomorrow’s consequences.
Next, he is blind to life’s essential values and gives higher priority to his
appetites and emotions than to the Lord. In addition, he’s willing to sacrifice
what is lasting for something that brings only fleeting satisfaction.
Similarly, his focus is on the temporal rather than the eternal. Finally, he
makes decisions in moments of physical, emotional, or spiritual weakness.
At
the time, it may seem desirable to base a decision upon an immediate want. But
are you willing to pay the price for that kind of shortsightedness? It will
never satisfy your heart. Instead, rely on God’s Word for truth, and let His
Spirit guide you in making every choice.
PRAYER POINT: May the things that will blind your spiritual sight, never be pleasing to you in Jesus name, Amen.
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