Sunday Service: 30/05/2021
Supporting Scripture: Genesis 25:29-34
Title of Message: The Unprofitable Exchange
Delivered by: Pastor Mercy Richardson
“Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore, his name was called Edom. But Jacob said, “Sell me your birth right as of this day.” And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so, what is this birth right to me?” Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So, he swore to him, and sold his birth right to Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus, Esau despised his birth right.”
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 honoured 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. 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. 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.
“lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 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 in the physical realm, 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. Esau 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 is 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 it’s too late. You have a glorious future.
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, no matter how appealing the pleasure may seem, it is dangerous.
Just like a quicksand, sin can have disastrous results. The longer you are in it, the deeper you go.
“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 and bring you out of it. Let Him help you today.
- Recognize you need salvation.
- Repent and confess your sins.
- Renew your mind daily with the Word of God. Romans 12:2.
- Avoid situations where you know you’ll be tempted to do wrong. 1 James 4:7.
- Pray always.
- Trust the Lord; Depend on Him for strength daily.
You have rights in the kingdom of God. God has promised us many things for our time on Earth, but He has also promised us eternal life and a home in heaven. There’s a prepared place for us where there will be no sickness, disease, hunger, tears, or pain. So don’t compromise your faith. Don’t sell your birthright. There’s nothing on earth that can be compared to the blessings God has prepared for us in Heaven!