Genesis 25:27-34
Verse 31 “…trade me your rights as the firstborn son.”
Verse 33 “…Esau swore an oath…selling his rights...”
Jacob ruthlessly took advantage of the local custom to seize his brothers birthright. The birthright meant headship of the family
and a double share of the inheritance. But what is to not be overseen is Esau's lack of care for the future. His focus on the
present and his needs in that moment, combined with pressure from Jacob (Rebekah's favorite), left Esau in a state of weakness
that he did not overcome. Thus, losing the birthright.
It's a rather short story, but I believe it touches on multiple aspects of life such as patience and delayed gratification. If
Esau took the time to pray, listen to God, and wait on eating food, then he would be in a spot to keep his birthright. But instead
thinking about his future self, he could only think with his stomach--and that was telling him to consume above all else.
My decision and indecisions hold weight both for the present and future. It is up to me whether I want to listen to what God has to say so that I may better understand what the best path is. Something as simple as choosing food over an unknown future can hold ramifications. I must keep my heart open to God, and closed to temptation.
Lord, I thank you for what you have given me. For the spirit you have set within me, the fire that has begun ablaze, and for your guidance in my life. I pray for the foresight to think before acting as my words and actions hold more gravity on the future than I can ever imagine. May I do all things through you. Amen.