| Birthright Pt. 2 Sept. 24, 2008 |
Gen. 25:29-34 NKJV 29 Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom. 31 But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.” 32 And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?” 33 Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Jacob was an opportunist. He knew exactly what he wanted from Esau before his brother ever sat down. Jacob knew that his brother had been working all day in the field and he knew that his brother would be tired so he waited for just the right time to approach Esau about giving up his birthright. He took advantage of the situation. There is another who did the same to Jesus and continues to do the same to us to this very day. He goes by many names but he is most commonly referred to as the devil. The devil lays in wait and studies our behaviors so that he will know when we are the most vulnerable to give up our birthright. He may wait until we are ill, or bitter, or just plain exhausted. He may approach when we are angry, discontented, or depressed. He may cook something up that smells just like the answer that we have been waiting for; but what price are we willing to pay for it? Isn't our birthright worth more than any soup the devil could offer? Then, we should protect what is ours by always staying alert and wary of the enemy's plans. God wants more for us. God has set many things aside with each of our names on it. He wants us to have mansions, diamonds and pearls. He also wants us to have an everlasting relationship with Him. The challenge this week is to be alert and notice when we are the most vulnerable to the enemy's devices. That way if we know when he is likely to strike, we will be prepared to protect what is not his to take. To be continued.... I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light. Have a Happy Wednesday! God Bless, Minister Tommy and Sister Shatika Gray |