Lesson or Example?

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Ephesians 1:3 How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ.

What would you trade for God’s blessings? What do you desire strong enough to forfeit the plans that God has for you? When asked directly like this, those of us who follow Christ would likely say, “Nothing! I wouldn’t trade His blessings for anything!”

In Genesis 25, we read the story of twin brothers Jacob and Esau. Although twins, Esau was birthed before Jacob so he was considered to be the older of the two. In these times, it was the birthright of the older son to receive twice as much of his father’s estate than the younger brother received. In a moment of extreme hunger, Esau foolishly traded his birthright for a bowl of soup. Jacob now, by Esau’s vow, was to receive the blessing of the firstborn. And that is exactly what happened. In Genesis 27, we see where Jacob and his mother Rebekah conspired to trick a very ill Isaac into pronouncing upon Jacob the blessing of the firstborn.

This was Isaac’s blessing - this is what Esau gave up so that he could have a bowl of soup: “May God always give you plenty of dew for healthy crops and good harvests of grain and wine.  May many nations become your servants. May you be the master of your brothers. May all your mother's sons bow low before you. All who curse you are cursed, and all who bless you are blessed.”

And who knows what else Esau would have enjoyed! But we know that he walked away from that event with hatred and murder in his heart. That was the worst bowl of soup ever!

In an interesting parallel, we see Jesus coming out of 40 days of fasting and prayer in the wilderness (see Matthew 4). He was hungry! Esau was hungry after one day out hunting and declared that he was starving! But Christ had not eaten for 40 days when the devil came to Him with a challenge and a proposal: “If you are the Son of God, change these stones into loaves of bread.” Jesus, in response, said, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” So what was the difference between Esau and Jesus when they were both in this vulnerable state? Esau was led by his flesh…his stomach. Esau did not regard his destined position and calling as more important than satisfying his flesh. Jesus, on the other hand, although quite hungry, did not lose sight of his position and calling. He regarded what He was here to do as more important than satisfying His flesh in that moment.

Like Jesus (and Esau), we each have a calling. God has a purpose for each of our lives. We must be careful that we are not forfeiting God’s eternal plans in order to satisfy temporary desires.

Would you take a moment to ask the Lord to show you if there are areas where you are forfeiting His plans for you? I believe that if you ask, He will show you. Then, like Jesus, respond to the temptations of the devil with the Word of God. Seek out scriptures that apply directly to your circumstances, memorize them, and speak them out loud on a daily basis. The devil is a strong adversary but he is not stronger than God. Use the weapon of God’s Word to fight and stand strong.

Esau served as a lesson to us of what not to do when we find ourselves in a vulnerable position and Christ served as an example of what we should do.  How about you? Will you serve as a lesson to those around you or will you be an example?