Read Genesis 25:19-34
19 This
is the story of Abraham’s son Isaac. 20Isaac was 40 years old when
he married Rebecca, the daughter of Bethuel (an Aramean from Mesopotamia) and
sister of Laban. 21Because Rebecca had no children, Isaac prayed to
the Lord for her. The Lord answered his prayer, and Rebecca
became pregnant. 22She was going to have twins, and before they were
born, they struggled against each other in her womb. She said, “Why should
something like this happen to me?” So she went to ask the Lord for an answer.
“Two nations are within you;
You will give birth to two rival peoples.
One will be stronger than the other;
The older will serve the younger.”
24 The
time came for her to give birth, and she had twin sons. 25The first
one was reddish, and his skin was like a hairy robe, so he was named Esau.f
26The second one was born holding on tightly to the heel of Esau, so
he was named Jacob.g Isaac was 60 years old when they were born.
27 The
boys grew up, and Esau became a skilled hunter, a man who loved the outdoor
life, but Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home. 28Isaac
preferred Esau, because he enjoyed eating the animals Esau killed, but Rebecca
preferred Jacob.
29 One
day while Jacob was cooking some bean soup, Esau came in from hunting. He was
hungry 30and said to Jacob, “I’m starving; give me some of that red
stuff.” (That is why he was called Edom.)h
31 Jacob
answered, “I will give it to you if you give me your rights as the firstborn
son.”
32 Esau
said, “All right! I am about to die; what good will my rights do me then?”
Esau made
the vow and gave his rights to Jacob. 34Then Jacob gave him some
bread and some of the soup. He ate and drank and then got up and left. That was
all Esau cared about his rights as the firstborn son.
Think
This famous story from
Genesis sounds quite strange. If we
remember that God had promised to do great things through Abraham's family then
Esau's giving up of his birthright might indicate his attitude to the opportunity
that God has given his people. So Jacob
buys it.
How many opportunities to
serve God do we squander because of our selfishness and greed?
Pray
Loving God, help me to take
hold of the opportunities you give me today - help me to serve you to the best
of my ability.
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