October 6 B, 2009
Genesis 25:24-27
And now the rest of the story: “Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom.) Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.”
Esau did not only have a problem with his mother, he had a much bigger problem with God. Esau had an independent spirit; Esau wanted to live life on his terms. Why was the first born so important: The eldest son customarily was given a double portion when the inheritance was divided and the right to lead his family. He was to be the ruler over his house and to provide for the household, both materially and spiritually.
There is little doubt in my mind, that Rebekah shared what God had told her with Isaac, before the twins were born; God’s message that the younger would rule over the eldest son. It also seems that Jacob was more like his dad in many ways than Esau, he enjoyed living in the tent and taking care of the flocks, and showed a heart for God that we do not see in Esau, but it still looked as if Isaac would give the birthright to Esau.
It is only later in the history of Israel that God made it clear that the firstborn male is his, but it is clear that Isaac and Rebekah both knew that the first born was to be the one who led the family. In the book of Numbers 3:13, it is stated; “for all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated for my own all the firstborn in Israel, both of man and of beast. They shall be mine: I am the Lord.” It is also easy to believe that these twin brothers often had conversations about the birthright and it makes sense that his mother would have shared with Jacob what God had spoken, and it is also clear that Esau had little regard for what was his. This is recorded in Hebrews chapter 12:16&17, “that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no change to repent, thought he sought it with tears.”
Over the years of my life in Baptist churches, I’ve heard people give their opinion on Romans 9:13, “As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Who said that, none other than God Himself, and when did he say this, before they were born. Romans 9:11-12, “though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad – in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of his call – she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” And I’ve heard folks say, “that’s just not fair and others say, my God is a God of love and He would not do that.” Those same folks have no problem with our Father letting His Son die a horrible death on a cross to make them in right standing with our Father. It is very clear in Scripture how Creator God has answered these folks who try to put him in their box, read Romans 9:14-26. Never forget the potter has total control over the clay!
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
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