Esau & Jacob

The story of Esau and Jacob is one that we encounter pretty early in the Bible in Genesis 25. Verses 29-34 say,

"Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom.) Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright."

What is the moral of this story? What is its relevance in modern-day? I'm sure (or at least hopeful) that no one sells their entire inheritance for a single meal.

For some more insight, let's take a look at Hebrews 12:15-17

"See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears."

This passage gave me a whole new understanding of this story and the lesson it serves to teach.

We can liken ourselves to Esau, and the salvation we've received to his birthright. Just like how Esau sold his birthright for a meal, it is equally foolish of us when we forsake our new life in Christ and all that we've learned from Him for a few moments of the fleeting pleasures of sin. And while God is so gracious and never turns away one who repents, it is still harm done to ourselves for wasting time and effort, as well as some of the more tangible effects of sin like strained relationships, punishments, etc.

I hope you see the point here, and I hope you can adopt that mindset and speak these words to yourself whenever faced with one temptation or the other. Prayer of course is key, but it is also helpful to say, "don't be as foolish as Esau."

Peace and love of Christ be with you all!