Genesis 25:32

New International Version (NIV)

“Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”

For Meditation

The first account of Esau and Jacob is interesting. It describes the situation of the twin brothers on a particular day in time. Jacob was cooking “some stew” and Esau walked in from the “open” country” (Gen. 25:29). It was Esau’s now, and his now told him he was “famished.” The aroma and sight of his brother’s stew accentuated Esau’s feeling and mocked him. The voice of his now grew louder and stronger: “You are going to die, if you don’t get your body some energy from that stew.” Like the simple young man in Solomon’s wisdom episode, who couldn’t resist the seduction of the prostitute, Esau couldn’t resist the deceptive voice of the now and the wordless persuasive seduction of Jacob’s stew.

“All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life” (Prov. 7:22-23).

“Give me some of the stew. I’m famished.”

“Sell me your birthright.”

“I’m about to die … What good is the birthright to me?”

“Swear to me first”

With such simplicity, the deal was sealed on oath. Esau ate the bread and stew, “and then got up and left” (Gen. 25:34). But Jacob had inherited the birthright of the firstborn, which belonged to the future. The now presented its distorted version of things to Esau, but the future counseled Jacob.

Many times we listen to the deceptive and alluring voice of the now and disregard the importance of the future. It is the ultimate coup of all time that keeps people from Christ. Eternity has no consequence to many, but the glamor and riches of the now does. However, one day, many will cry for Christ, as Esau cried for his father’s blessing (27:34), but it will be too late (Lk. 16:19-31).

1. How then does this cut with you?
2. Have you been making decisions based on the pressures of the now?
3. Do you have the tendency of frowning on the future while enjoying your now?
4. Does eternity have any appeal to you?
5. Why then have you closed yourself to the appeal of Gospel (Jn. 3:16)?

I pray you will not listen to the voice of the now over the appeal of the future to be wise and discerning (Prov. 1:20-33).

So: May you have your eyes on the future, as you make choices for today; and may you receive the blessings of eternity to crown your wise choice for Christ today, just as Jacob received the blessings of his father when it mattered most.

 Deciding with careless abandon for today, robs you of your blessings for tomorrow.

Shalom