“ ‘Look, I am about to die,’ Esau said. ‘What good is the birthright to me?’ “
– Genesis 25:32
 Today, I want to highlight a story to encourage you not to throw away your tomorrow. The story of Abraham, his son Isaac and wife Rebekah, is well-known to many. Isaac was 60 years old when Rebekah gave birth to Esau and his twin brother Jacob. In Genesis 25: “The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.” There was family rivalry and favoritism here!
Genesis 25 continues: “Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, ‘Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!…’ Jacob replied, ‘First sell me your birthright.’ ” During ancient times, everybody would have laughed at this story. Selling your birthright, which represented all the authority and the largest share of the inheritance, was unimaginable. It was supposed to be Abraham, Isaac, and Esau, but it wasn’t. Everything changed on that day. This man, not really dying but giving in to his flesh, asks, “What good is the birthright to me?” “Swear to me,” Jacob said. Then he swore an oath to Jacob, selling his birthright. Friend, scripture says he despised his birthright. He wasn’t dying. Despite God’s promises and blessings, he despised the future. He despised all he could have been, not just for himself but for his children and future generations. We all do this, no matter how ridiculous it may sound. There is a dream God has placed in your heart, a birthright. The Holy Spirit can help you achieve your dream, even if you are not there yet. |
Prayer
Father, I want to appreciate all the good plans you have for my future.
Reflection
Have you ever thought about how God’s promises will impact future generations?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
