A Special Inheritance

What can Esau teach us about our inheritance?

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Genesis 27:1-28:9; Genesis 36:1-43

Abbreviated Bible Reading: Genesis 27:1-28:9

“Your brother came with deceit and has taken away your blessing.” Genesis 27:35 nkjv

Have you ever tried to fix a mistake and the result has only added to the original problem? That is exactly what Esau does in today’s reading.

Esau’s track record wasn't so good at this point in his life. The Bible tells us that he had despised his birthright and traded it for a bowl of soup (Gen 25:30); he was "tricked" out of the blessing he was entitled to as the first born (Gen 27:35); and had married two Hittite women who were “a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah.” (Gen 26:34). When Esau realized that his “worldly” wives were not winning him favor with his parents, he tried fix the problem by marrying a third wife – a descendant of Ishmael (remember, Ishmael is a picture of the flesh/our own efforts). Not a good solution!

I find this vignette of Esau fascinating because I think it gives us a pattern to be wary of in our own lives! For you see, it all began with Esau’s heart – he didn't treasure his birthright – the status and position he held as the first born son.

As Believers in Jesus Christ we have a status to be treasured, held dear and esteemed.  We have been born again into God’s family (1 Pt 1:23). We have been made heirs with Christ (Titus 3:7). Through the blood of Jesus we who were once far off have been brought into God’s family (Eph 2:13) and have been given an inheritance that is everlasting, incorruptible, undefiled and doesn't fade away (1 Pt 1:4). This is a position to be treasured.  

Esau traded his birthright for temporary satisfaction – a bowl of soup because he was very hungry.  Oh dear Christian, don’t despise the gift of new life (2 Cor 5:17), a clean record (Col 2:14), the miracle of being born again in exchange for temporal satisfaction! Don’t despise your birthright as a child of God.

Esau’s story is a slippery slope. His heart issue paved the way and set the stage for his future decisions. Proverbs 4:23 tells us “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Esau's heart wasn't towards God or the things God had given. So, he went to the world to find his fellowship and built his family on that foundation (Gen 28:8).

If you find yourself going to the world to find your friendships/fellowship/spouse then you must ask if your treasure is with God and if your heart truly belongs to Him.

…know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Cor 6:14

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 1 John 1:6

Last, but certainly not least, when Esau realized his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, were unhappy with his selection in women; he tried to fix the problem by going and getting a third wife. This time, instead of choosing from the Canaanites he went and got one of Ishmael’s granddaughters. Remember from our previous studies in Genesis, Ishmael is always a picture of our flesh. Our own efforts cannot fix any previous mistakes – they must be covered in the blood of Jesus.

If we rely on our flesh, our own efforts to remedy past failures, we will fail yet again. We must look to the cross and depend on Jesus to fix any mistakes we've made.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph. 2:8, 9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

As you read today’s reading, look at Esau and consider his wandering heart and his slippery slope. Then look to Jesus, find your treasure in Him and you will find He is the perfect remedy.

Note: See also, for further reference 1 Chronicles 1:35-54

by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©