I had the opportunity to address our student body here at NTBI just before they all left for their summer break. A few nights earlier I was telling the story of Jacob and Esau to my children; in particular that part where Esau squanders his birthright for a bowl of lentil soup, of all things! I felt I should continue the focus on this story with the students. Maybe some of the principles will be an encouragement to you too.
Imagine having a brother like Jacob; someone who seems dead set on making your life miserable. Imagine Esau returning from the field so famished with hunger he could think of nothing else. The Biblical record gives us a glimpse into Esau’s life at a moment of decision. But before we can apply the universal principle let’s look more closely at the details.
The story of Esau’s squandering is found in Genesis 25:27-34. It comes immediately after the description of the twins rivalry in the womb and even during birth. To say that there was tension between the brothers is an understatement. Jacob’s deception finally drove Esau to plotting murder.
Jacob was a sneak. I wonder if it was just by chance that Jacob was making a meal when Esau returned from the field? To ask Jacob for some food would not have been an easy thing for Esau to do, but he was vulnerable and his immediate need was so great that it drove his decision making.
Rivalry combined with an eclipsing sense of immediate need made up the recipe of Esau’s squandering. He was plotted against in a moment of weakness and as my good friend would say, he ‘folded like a cheap suit.’ He swore to give his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of lentil soup. Just like that it was done. He squandered. Later he would cry bitter tears (Gen 27:34).
Esau’s birthright was no token. It was his livlihood. It was spiritual in nature. It had to do with political position in the community. It would adorn him with authority and a name that held sway. It was a blessing from God. But it was no longer his. Now it belonged to the deceiver, Jacob.
In the context of the life of the average NTBI student this story might not seem too applicable. But don’t we all struggle with an internal rivalry? Aren’t we easily distracted, if not consumed, with what seem to be the immediate needs of our daily experience? Then, just like Esau, you and I could easily squander a great blessing.
Jacob had no respect for his older brother. He was willing to use the closest of human bonds for his own gain even to the detriment of that relationship. Our sinful nature has the same cunning and selfishness. The ‘god of this world’ has no respect for those of us who are in Christ Jesus. He would do anything to destroy that relationship.
Esau couldn’t see past his immediate circumstances. He lived his life using his human eyes and his emotions to judge what is right and good. He happened to be hungry; what are we feeling? Depressed, anxious, abandoned, unloved, stressed, deserving, okay, in control?
Living unaware of who is plotting against us and choosing to use our human perspective to determine the way is our recipe for squandering. And our ‘birthright’ is not token either. Fellowship with our Savior who is our very life is at risk. Usefulness in ministry, and future reward and responsibility all can be squandered in a heartbeat.
But we have the story of Esau and much more recorded for us in Scripture. We don’t have to make those foolish mistakes. The NTBI students have three months of summer to themselves. My challenge to them was to be careful and gaurd their hearts against squandering. We might not have the summer off, but we all need to take heed and learn from the story of Esau too.
Missy and I know that we have squandered in the past. We have allowed our circumstances to define what is true, and have fallen prey to our flesh. We know that decision can easily be made again. It is our desire to remain on gaurd and in fellowship with the Lord so that we can be useful to him and enjoy His life flowing through us.
We are thankful for the great blessing and responsibility that has come our way through this ministry at NTBI. Pray with us that we would not be like Esau and squander our ‘birthright.’ Pray that we would not allow the cares of this life to move us in our decision making. Thank you for partnering with us for the furtherance of the Gospel to those who have never heard.