“Jacob boiled stew. Esau came in from the field , and he as famished. Esau said to Jacob, ‘Please feed me some of that red stew, for I am famished.’ Therefore his name was called Edom. Jacob said, ‘First sell me your birthright.’ Esau said, ‘Behold, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?’ Jacob said, ‘Swear to me first.’ He swore to him. He sold his birthright to Jacob” –Genesis 25:29-33
Jacob and Esau born as twins were practically born fighting. When Rebekah gave birth Esua was born first. Genesis 25:25 described Esau as coming out red like a hairy garment. He came out holding Jacob’s heel. Esau means “the one who grabs the heel.”
Esau was one who was rugged, strong, and he held the birthright because he came out first. Jacob was a thin, pasty man who could be described as “nerdy”. He was intellectually strong and wanted the authority of his brother’s position in the family because he felt like he was better suited to handle the responsibility.
One night Esau came in weary from hunting; he smelled the delicious stew Jacob was cooking. Dramatically, Esau flaunted his famished condition and told his brother that he would die if he didn’t have food. Never missing an opportunity, Jacob promised to feed him only after he “signed over” his birthright.
Esau became short sighted, willingly surrendered his most precious commodity to Jacob -all for a measly bowl of soup. Because he could not see beyond his appetite.
This should remind us that we shouldn’t elevate our fleshly appetites above our spiritual blessings. Our leadership and authority depend on our willingness to subdue our passions and discipline our bodies and minds. Even if we find ourselves in the heat of the moment, we shouldn’t trade our God ordained birthright for a bowl of soup.
We are made for more than temporary pleasures, and the Lord’s abundant life is given in a measure proportionate to our willingness to live it His way.
Don’t trade your crown for cravings
