A Bowl Of Stew

Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.) Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. (Genesis 25:29-34)

The stew that Esau traded his birthright for represents everything that this world has to offer us today - money, comfort, sex, popularity, and much more. Yet the birthright that Esau traded for the stew represents all of the promises God has given to us as Christians - our inheritance as His children.

See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done. (Hebrews 12:16-17)

So, the question for us all to consider; what are you trading you inheritance for? What idol are you so focused on worshiping that you are forgetting what is most important? What idol are you so determined on possessing that you are willing to give up everything for? 

Today, remember the promises God has given to you. And remember the inheritance that Christ has secured for you.