For Sale
Today’s Verse:
And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? ~Genesis 25:32
Until the last few months, the real estate market in the Bay Area was very hot for sellers. Most properties were sold and off the market in less than thirty days. It was not unusual to see “for sale” signs on almost every block. The very sight of a "for sale” sign perks the interest of potential buyers and investors by suggesting a possible bargain price on a given property. This morning, we are looking at a man who put the essence of his life up for sale. His life had a "for sale" sign on it. Are you someone whose spiritual life and worth are up for sale?
We see Esau and his weariness.
Esau was the twin brother of Jacob. Esau is a picture of the flesh life, and Jacob is a picture of the Spirit life. The struggle between the twins in Rebekah’s womb is a picture of the flesh lusting against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh. Esau had been toiling as usual in the field. We are told that one day, he came home from the field and was faint. The word "faint" carries the idea of being exhausted and weary. He had been toiling in the hot sun all day. He was famished and feeling faint. The physical side of him was in control. Be careful when you are at the point of fainting. Be careful when you get tired of serving the Lord. Be careful when you get tired of going to church. Be careful when you get tired of praying and reading your Bible. Be careful when you get tired of the spiritual authority in your life.
We see Esau and his weakness.
As he approached the house, he could smell the pottage that Jacob had cooked. As soon as he entered the house and saw Jacob, he cried out, “Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage.” Jacob saw Esau’s condition as an opportunity to take advantage of him. He knew Esau’s impulsive tendencies: Satan knows our impulsive tendencies as well. Jacob connived Esau into trading his birthright for a bowl of pottage. The birthright was a mighty privilege given to every firstborn male. It gave him the privilege of being given a double portion of his father’s estate, and it gave him the preference of his father. Esau said, “What profit shall this birthright do to me?” In his moment of weakness, the birthright lost its value and significance. He succumbed to temptation. He preferred hunger over holiness. He preferred pottage over purity. He preferred his stomach over sanctification. You are only as strong as you are in your moment of weakness. Esau sold himself at a bargain-basement price! Esau was an easy prey for temptation.
We see Esau and his wickedness.
When he exchanged his birthright for a bowl of pottage, he sadly demonstrated that he could be bought. Instead of being sold out for Christ, he sold his character. Instead of being sold out for Christ, he sold his conscience. Instead of being sold out for Christ, he showed his lack of conviction. Esau is described as a profane person in Hebrews 12:16. To be profane is to be without reverence for God. It means "ungodly." It is used in connection with a fornicator, who is an immoral person. Esau demonstrated that in a moment of weakness, he could be bought. The devil saw the "for sale" sign around his neck and seized upon it without delay. He was a wicked man. He saw no value in his birthright. He said, “What profit shall this birthright do to me?” When you are not settled in your relationship with the Lord, you too will say, “What profit shall this birthright do to me?”
Are you someone walking around with a “for sale” sign around your neck? Examine your conscience. Be careful not to sell the birthright that you received when you got saved!
Have a vigilant God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Luke 10-11
Comments