Jacob and Esau: Genesis 25:19-34
In the book of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, the genealogy or bloodline of Jesus Christ is recorded starting from Abraham who begat Isaac who begat Jacob, and so forth continuing for forty more generations until finally the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Messiah, was promised to come from the bloodline of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Isaac married Rebekah when he was forty years old. Rebekah could not have children until twenty years later after Isaac had pleaded with God to let her become a mother. God answered Isaac’s request. When Rebekah was pregnant she was having some physical discomfort and asked God if everything was fine and why was she having these physical issues. God told her that she had two nations in her and one would be stronger than the other and the older would serve the younger. The discomfort she was experiencing was from her children struggling within her womb. When she gave birth, there were twins, the first was very red and hairy. They named him Esau. Hanging onto Esau’s heel was the second baby and he was named Jacob. The name Jacob means supplanter (one who wrongfully seizes and holds the place of another).
The significance of the birth order of Esau and Jacob is the birthright. The oldest son would become the leader of the extended family and he would receive a double portion of the family’s inheritance. Being the oldest son had its privileges. As adults, Esau was a man’s man, a skillful hunter, an outdoorsman, and the favorite son of his father. Isaac loved eating the game that Esau would bring home from hunting. Unlike Esau, Jacob preferred to stay home and was a tent dweller. He was the favorite son of his mother.
One day Jacob had cooked a delicious stew and Esau came in from the field and asked Jacob to feed him. He said he was very weary and was about to die because he needed food. Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright today.” Unfortunately, Esau did not consider the value of his birthright and he swore and agreed to exchange his birthright for bread and the stew of lentils that Jacob had prepared. He ate and drank and left despising the birthright. Although Jacob took advantage of his brother at a weak moment, his brother being the oldest, should not have made that agreement. He devalued his birthright and sold it for one meal. Esau allowed his flesh, his appetite, and his stomach to rule over his sense of doing the right thing no matter how much it hurt at the time. His excuse was, “What is the value of a birthright if I am about to die right now?” He didn’t care at the moment.
When you accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior, you become part of God’s family and you inherit the promises of God through faith. How many times have you allowed your flesh, your appetites, to overrule what you know is the right thing to do? We have weak moments and unfortunately, we regret some of the decisions we make without thinking of the consequences. Despite our bad decisions, we can ask God to forgive us and help us through our weaknesses. God says that there is no temptation that is common to man that we cannot escape through Him. He is faithful to help us. (I Corinthians 10:13) Let’s value our birthright through Christ Jesus and live an abundant life. (John 10:10)
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Personal Development Tip of the week:
Do you believe there is purpose in your pain? Have you gone through something painful this year? Maybe you lost a job, relationship, or even a loved one and I know how hard that can be at times which causes a lot of emotional pain. Maybe you have physical pain in your body and whatever it might be I believe you can find purpose in this pain.
In the book of Romans 5:3-5, it say’s, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develop strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
I challenge you this week to look beyond the pain and ask yourself, “How can I grow during this time of challenge in my life?” Remember the quality of your questions determines the quality of your life. Maybe this is a time of developing your character and reliance on God. You are never going through this life alone and never forget how much God loves and cares for you and has a great plan and purpose for your life.
Question for you? What has God shown you in your life this year when it comes to dealing with painful events?
Prayer for the week
Lord, Your Word is my guiding light to help me as I live each day. As I read Your Word, open the scriptures to me and help me understand the meaning of the passages I am reading. You said that natural men cannot understand Your Word because they haven’t been born again in their spirit. I have received You as my Lord and savior and been reborn in my spirit. Open the eyes of my understanding so that I will know Your perfect will for me, in Jesus name, Amen.
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Do you know Jesus?
If you have never asked Jesus to be the leader of your life and forgive you of all your sins, this is the right time to act. Pray this simple prayer and believe it in your heart: “Dear God, Your Word says that You loved me so much that You sent Your Son Jesus to die on the cross for me. I want to be saved and have all my sins forgiven, past, present, and future. Forgive me now as I receive Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. You promised me salvation and an abundant life. I believe and receive Your free gift. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me grow stronger in You each day, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.” (John 3:16)
Jacob and Esau