VICTORY Call

Lessons from Esau

Reading through the book of Genesis, it is easy to really wonder about this man Esau. He doesn't strike me as the brightest guy. The saying, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach" is demonstrated through his actions in Genesis 25:29-34. He surrenders his inheritance, his birthright for a pot of stew. That had to be a powerful hunger. It is also a perfect illustration of the short-sightedness and the desire for immediate gratification (sounds like a lot of the younger generation, well, to be honest, it sounds like me sometimes).

It comes time for his father Isaac to give the blessing (See Genesis 27) so he calls his oldest son into his tent and gives him instructions regarding the preparation of a special meal. You know the story how Rebekah (Isaac's wife) convinces Jacob (Esau's younger brother) to trick Isaac into giving him the blessing instead. When Esau returned, he discovered that Jacob had indeed received the blessing of the firstborn - the birthright. Esau was angry. When he heard Isaac share that he had blessed Jacob thinking it was Esau, "he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, "Bless me-me also, O my father." (Genesis 27:34). "So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him and Esau said in his heart, 'The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob." (Genesis 27:41) Jacob fled for his own safety and stays in the land of his mother's family for many years.

When the time came for Jacob to return to his homeland, he knew he had to face Esau. Jacob sent messengers before him to announce his arrival. He sent multiple people with herds and flocks to placate Esau. It did not work, because Esau did not need placated.

What happened? Esau was exceedingly angry when Jacob left. But when he returned many years later, he received Jacob with open arms. "Then Esau said, 'What do you mean by all this company which I met?' and he said, 'These are to find favor in the sight of my lord.' But Esau said, 'I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.' (Genesis 33:8-9) Then Esau said, 'Let us take our journey' let us go, and I will go before you.'" (Genesis 33:12) Esau even offered to leave some of his men to help Jacob complete the journey.

What happened? Forgiveness is what happened. Esau forgave Jacob. The scripture does not tell us this directly, but it is proven through the actions of Esau.

Forgiveness is not just words spoken; it is borne out in our attitudes and actions.
Is your forgiveness evident to others? Are you living out forgiveness in your actions towards others? Let's not sell Esau short. He did a great thing or rather He allowed God to do a great thing through him.

Diane