Genesis 25:29-34
29 Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom.) 31 Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” 32 Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” 33 Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
It is possible to make any deal. If someone is desperate enough or foolish enough, you can even sell your birthright for a bowl of lentil soup. It’s worth taking a minute to think about that. Before we are too hard on Esau, what will you give up for small, perishable pleasures?
In Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family and have the pleasure of His presence, the joy of working hard for a cause that won’t perish, and the community of His people. What does it take for you to turn your back on all that and go your own way? A little money? A little lust? A little pride? Try to find the soup you keep selling it all for and ask someone to pray with you about it.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, please show me some of the places I sell you out for small pleasures.