"Mom, can I have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?""Are you sure you're that hungry?", Mom asks. "We are having supper in 30 minutes."
"Yes!" the child replies, "I'm starving".
Thirty minutes later, supper is served... juicy tender pot roast, creamy mashed potatoes with a river of gravy, seasoned cooked carrots, soft dinner rolls and warm apple crisp topped with whip cream. The only problem is junior isn't hungry anymore, he sacrificed a hot satisfying meal for short term hunger pains.
Esau did the same thing (Genesis 25:29-34). He came in from working the fields and felt the hunger pains rise in his stomach. The aroma of lentil stew and fresh bread filled the family tent. Jacob, his younger brother, had been cooking and Esau couldn't resist. In a moment, he foolishly sold his birthright to his brother for the immediate satisfaction of a full belly. He failed to appreciate what his birthright entailed... God's plan of redemption for the whole world!
Before we get too judgemental of Esau, we must ask ourselves how often do we do the same thing? How often do I choose the easy, comfortable, safe path in lieu of something bigger God may have planned for me? I'm afraid to admit how often I make the same foolish mistake Esau made. I'm prone to look for short cuts and instant gratification. I don't like hard things and I really don't like waiting. But maybe just maybe, I should. God knows my bigger picture and I need to look to Him for guidance and strength to wait because He will satisfy my "hunger pains".
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares
the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8)
As I was writing this post tonight, a further thought occurred to me. The world is telling our children that whatever feels good must be okay... your emotions and opinions are the barometer that guide you. We know that to be a lie, but Satan is very good at distorting the truth, and the youthful minds of our children are susceptible to his lies and tactics. He tells our kids that sex before marriage is okay because everyone is doing it and it is pleasurable, but when they cave into Satan's lies they quickly learn they just sold their "birthright". And once it is sold, it can never be purchased again.
Thankfully, there is forgiveness at the Cross.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Today, let's seek God's guidance rather than the short term satisfaction of a full belly from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
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