The Unprofitable Exchange

THE UNPROFITABLE EXCHANGE

"29 Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom. 31 But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.” 32 And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?” 33 Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright." Genesis 25:29-34.

Isaac married Rebekah when he was about 40 years old, and after years of delay, God blessed them with twin sons. The first son was named Esau. The second one was called Jacob. In those days, firstborns were honored with the right to have authority over their father’s assets. By custom, and tradition, the birthright belonged to the firstborn. Deuteronomy 21:15-17. Meaning they can exercise authority and take responsibilities after the death of their fathers. In addition to assuming the leadership role of the family, the firstborns are given the privilege of inheriting twice more than what other children will receive. Because Esau was the firstborn of Isaac, he was the rightful heir and owner of the birthright.

To every firstborn, the birthright was the most important possession. But one day, Esau arrived home tired and hungry. Seeing his brother cooking, he asked if he could have some of it. Jacob accepted to give him some but with one condition: Esau would receive the food in exchange for his birthright. Sadly, Esau reasoned to himself, “I am at the point of death, what good can this birthright do me?” So in exchange for a bowl of stew, Esau sacrificed his birthright! He exchanged his position, and blessings for a plate of food. He valued the stew of Jacob more than his possessions. Esau traded off his privileges for a brief moment of joy. Because of temporary pleasure, he gave up his wealth, power and position. He sold what was most important for something of little value. Esau gave up something that would last longer for a brief comfort.

"16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears." Hebrews 12:16-17.

When Esau sold his birthright, nothing changed at once but something had changed in the realm of the spirit. A spiritual exchange and transfer had taken place. The result of this exchange showed much more later but it was too late. Eventually, he sought to have his birthright restored. He pleaded. Esau cried. He repented. But it was too late. He had lost it forever.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8. Child of God, what's it that the devil is offering you in exchange for your soul and destiny? Are you selling your future for a moment of pleasure? The devil is still advertising his 'plate of stew' today, in the forms of sex, pleasure, prostitution, alcohol, money, promotion, drug, fame, and success. These temporary pleasures that will steal from you what God wants to give you. Learn from Esau! Do not compromise your faith. Walk away from temptation before its too late. You have a glorious future. Do not fall for the enticing offer of sin. Do not be deceived with brief pleasure of sin.

THE SWEET TASTE OF SIN:

"21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him. 22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks," Proverbs 7:21-22.

Sin always comes in a beautiful package; it is charming, enticing, seductive, and tempting. But don't be misled, its deadly! Sin is like a magnetic charm that fascinates, captivates, appeal, and enchants. But don't be deceived, its lethal. No matter how appealing the pleasure may seem, its dangerous. "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent." Proverbs 1:10.

"Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold." 2 Samuel 11:2. David was a man who loved the Lord. He had solidified the kingdom and won battle after battle. He was at the apex of his glory and success. But, David failed in his relationship with the opposite sex. You would think that his passion for women would have been lower by the fact that he had many beautiful wives and concubines. But it didn’t. David looked down at a nearby house where a woman was bathing and he desired her. Even though she was a married woman, he lust after her. The great King fell into sin. "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12. Just like a quicksand, sin can have disastrous results. The longer you are in it, the deeper you go. "14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." James 1:14-15. Samson was given supernatural strength by God. But his lust for Delilah led to his downfall. Judges 16:1-31. So are you playing with sin? Stop it today! Don’t throw your future away for a brief enjoyment. Don’t exchange eternity for pleasures that will not last. Bring it to Jesus. "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy." Proverbs 28:13. Only Jesus can break the power of sin. Let Him help you today. Only the Lord Jesus can bring you out of the quicksand of sin.