THERE ARE LOTS OF ESAU'S IN OUR WORLD!

 The latter portion of Genesis 25 includes the story of the birth of Esau and Jacob to Isaac and Rebekah.  Remember:  Isaac was Abraham's one and only son.

These twins struggled in their mother's womb so much that she called on God for an explanation.  God told her:  

Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated;  one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.  [v.23]

Esau was born first [the older].  He was hairy [Esau means hairy].  Then Jacob was born [the younger];  he came out holding on to his brother's heel.  [Jacob means:  he grasps the heel - figuratively, he deceives].  

The boys grew up.  Esau became a hunter and lover of the wild.  Jacob was a more civilized and cultured man.  

One day, Esau came home from hunting and found Jacob cooking stew.  He was famished and asked for a bowl.  Jacob offered him a bowl in exchange for his birthright [as first-born].  Foolishly, with no thought for the future and no concern for his eventual offspring, Esau quickly agreed to the deal.  

Esau's nonchalance is evident in the line:  He ate and drank, and then got up and left.  [v.34]

And the deal was done.  In a simple bowl of stew, Esau forfeited his right to a double-portion of his father's inheritance [See Deuteronomy 21:15-17]!  A very foolish move!

The chapter ends with a judgment on Esau:  So Esau despised his birthright.  [v.34]

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There are lots of Esau's in our world today!

People who make quick decisions that jeopardize their future!

• Choosing a vocation based purely on income rather than considering gifts, aptitude, personality and interests. 
• Taking out loans that will significantly limit them in the future.
• Buying large homes that they truly can't afford.
• Accruing debt (schooling, credit cards, etc.) that will limit their options for many years.

Esau suffered for his decision.  

Jacob also suffered for abusing his brother knowingly.  But we’ll find out later that he hasn’t learned his lesson yet.  

We'll have to keep reading to see if they ever reconciled...  :-)

Observation:  Esau didn't sin in this scene.  He had the right to make a foolish decision and did so.  

Observation:  Even when we do sin - we always have the right to forgiveness!  

Observation:  Somehow the providence of God was playing itself out in this progression of events since God had predicted the whole scenario while they were in the womb. 

Lord,

Your Word advises us to be wise as serpents and as innocent as doves. [Matthew 10:16]

Through meditation and the direction of Your Holy Spirit help us to mature in the area of decision-making for our own good and the good of our descendants. 

Thank You for Your grace!  Amen.