As the twins grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents. He loves to help his mother to do things in their home, like cooking. Consequently, Isaac loved Esau, and Rebekah loved Jacob. Since there was favoritism between the twins, their house was emotionally divided. One day, Jacob cooked a red stew, and Esau came home from the field and was very hungry that he asked his brother to gave him some of the red stew, but Jacob took advantage of the situation and asked for his birthright in exchange for the stew. Esau responded, "Look, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?" Then Jacob asked Esau to make a swear, so Esau made a swear to give his birthright to Jacob, and Jacob then gave him some bread and some red stew. Since then, Esau despised his birthright. (Genesis 25:27-34).
The birthright was important in dealing with inheritance on that day because the oldest son would have a double portion of the inheritance. For example, if the parents had two children, they would have to divide their land into three parts. The oldest son would have the two parts of the land, and the younger son would have only one part of the land. The reason for giving the oldest son more inheritance was because the oldest son was expected to become the next leader of the family. God predicted it in the beginning that the older son, Esau, would serve the younger son, Jacob. Jacob's cunning attitude would eventually split their family. Esau was hungry but not to the point of death. He made a compulsive decision without thinking about the future consequences. As a result, he lost his birthright to his younger brother, Jacob.
Making a hasty decision just to satisfy our craving or want for the moment can negatively impact our lives. Bad decision-making can generally occur when we make rash decisions. God has given us a mind and time to think. Before making an important decision, we need to examine the consequences of our decision and pray that God would open our eyes to see the right decision because there are people out there that want to take advantage of our weaknesses. If we are still indecisive, let us seek the LORD for guidance, and let us not allow ourselves to make a rash decision. Let us learn from Esau's mistakes.
Ask yourself these questions: Why is it dangerous to make a rash decision? What should I do when I need to make an important decision? What can I learn from Esau's mistake?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you that you are my guide. Please help me not make a hasty decision just to satisfy my need of the moment and not think of the consequences. Please help me to be wise in making decision and guide me to the right path. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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