Men of the Scripture: ESAU

Esau sells his birthright to Jacob

His work: Esau was an accomplished hunter. He cared little for the promise of God, and instead gave away his birthright.

His character: He was considered as “man’s man.” He was ruddy, impulsive, competitive, impetuous—quite a lethal mix. The desire for instant gratification was one of Esau’s greatest failures. It cost him his birthright.

His Sorrow: When Esau had realized that Jacob, his brother, had secured his father’s blessing, he wept aloud.

His Triumph: Years later, Esau demonstrated the ability to forgive his conniving brother.

Promises: “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Psalm 119:103).

“Hear O Israel…and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, promised you.” (Deuteronomy 6:3)

Legacy in the Bible: Genesis 33:1-9

Reflection:
If we want to receive all the good things God has planned for us, we shouldn’t be seduced by the promises of pleasure, money, or power. Make no mistake about it because God intends to bless us forever.

Let us offer thanks to God for the basic ways God cared for you and me, the food, air, water, and shelter free of charge. Let us confess for any situation that we committed earthly pleasures at the expense of God’s blessings. Lastly, we will ask Him for help to value the divine promises he has made to us as written in the Scripture. (Edgardo R. Sara)