Jacob and Esau were twin brothers, who were born from Rebekah and Isaac. Genesis 25: 27-34 tells us that Esau was a skillful hunter and that Isaac loved Esau more, because he enjoyed eating the wild game that he brought home. Esau must have been somewhat of a redneck. :0) I wonder if he had deer heads hanging on his tent walls?
Rebekah loved Jacob best, because he was quiet and preferred to stay at home and cook. What mother wouldn't love that type of son!
One day, Esau came home after a day in the country. Jacob was cooking some stew. Esau said, 'Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!' (That is why he was also called Edom.)
Jacob replied, 'First sell me your birthright.'
'Look, I am about to die', Esau said. 'What good is the birthright to me?'
But Jacob said, 'Swear to me first.' So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.
Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.
So Esau despised his birthright."
Esau was willing to give up all of his inheritance for a bowl of stew! All he cared about at that very moment, was physical satisfaction. I would guess that he got hungry again that day, wouldn't you? But, he had nothing more to give away, because he had already traded it all for that bowl of soup earlier in the day.
How many times do we forego our dreams and goals, and settle for less than God's best for us? How many marriages have broken up, because of a moment of instant gratification that developed from a lustful relationship with someone other than their spouse? Do we want bigger houses, more money in the bank, or other things so badly, that we are willing to step over anyone in our way to get them?
So many times, we don't think past our noses to the consequences of fulfilling our desires. God has so much for us, if we just wait patiently on the Lord. Let's not settle for good, when His best is worth waiting for.
