Our Relationships Need God's Love

Genesis 25:32-34 -  “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.  So Esau despised his birthright.

Rebekah had two sons that struggled with each other from the beginning…inside her womb.  They grew up polar opposites. Esau was a wild man …skilled in hunting…who became very close to his father.  But Jacob was a sort of momma’s boy …content to stay close to the tents.

They grew apart even more when great hunger caused the older Esau to sell his birthright for a simple bowl of stew.  Jacob had no problem asking for him to sell this priceless possession. And Esau seemed to sell out quickly…claiming his great hunger had placed him close to death.

Neither son handled relationships very well.  Jacob was sneaky and most likely knew his brother would do just what he wanted if he had a meal ready when he returned.  Esau was more interested in satisfying his physical needs than thinking of the future. They were both selfish…lived in the moment…and did not use the God their grandfather had taught Isaac about.

It’s a reminder to me to always include God in any relationship. These brothers struggled with each other because they did not try to work out peace among them.  They drove themselves farther away from each other with their selfish desires and schemes. The rift between them is going to get worse…we won’t read about God being a part of their relationship till a few chapters more.

It is also a reminder that God will use our mistakes to work good.  It might take longer for us to realize the will he had planned for us all along…but he will lead us lack to a path that sets us where he wants us to be.  It is going to take some large portions of forgiveness from Esau…but later in genesis they work things out.

Father…thank you for the reminders that you belong in every relationship that we have…and even when we don’t….you will use our mistakes for good when we finally involve you.  Forgive me for the times that I have been selfish like Jacob and Esau…and forgotten to include you in my relationships. Help me to use your love to build the strongest relationships I can with my family…friends...and the lost you might send me to… so I can share your gospel and help them learn about your love. Amen.