A Bowl of Stew

In the Bible, there's a story of two brothers: Esau and his younger brother Jacob. Esau is a manly man. He hunts. He's hairy. He has sun-worn, leather like skin. Jacob is more of a homebody. He does some cooking. He hangs out with his mom.

One day, Esau is out hunting. Apparently he doesn't do very well, because he's out for a really long time. When he comes back to camp he's famished. It just so happens that Jacob was busy making some stew while Esau was out hunting. So, Esau comes into the tent and demands some stew from Jacob. Jacob, being a crafty soul says, 'Sure, but first sell me your birthright.'

You have to understand that Esau was the grandson of Abraham. Abraham was the man with whom God made a covenant that he would receive his own land, a land of abundance. This promise was to be fulfilled through Abraham's lineage. Abraham's son Isaac would inherit the promises of God and Isaac's son in turn would inherit them. The promise of God's blessing. Esau was the first born son of Isaac.

And so Esau's choice was this: the promises of God or a bowl of stew. He chooses the stew.

A ridiculous story. Who would choose something so mundane over God?

We are all given a birthright. Through Jesus we are able to have an intimate relationship with God. Unhindered access to the Creator of the Universe. And yet, everyday we make choices that destoy that relationship.

Success at work. Peace at home. More money. A few moments of pleasure. Small things. Small choices made in an instant. Things that are not really that valuable. But the price we pay is enormous.

The promises of God for a bowl of stew. What price are you selling your birthright for?