SCRIPTURE: Genesis 25
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
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. [Genesis 25:33-34]
Recently someone told me about a man weeping uncontrollably outside of a casino, he had lost everything.
For all the fun, entertainment, excitement, my question is… was it worth it?
We might say the same to Esau… was it worth it?
A birth right was the privilege of being the firstborn in that culture, the one who gets the family fortune and continues the family legacy.
For a bowl of lentil stew… was it worth it?
Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. [Matthew 26:14-15]
The same question could be asked of Judas… was it worth it?
Apparently he had decided that following Jesus was not worth it, that he would be much better off with thirty pieces of silver.
And least that is what he thought at that moment, he would later regret it.
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. [Mathew 27:3-5]
Was it worth it… apparently not.
What about me, what am I giving up for a bowl of lentil stew, what am I sacrificing for a full wallet… is it worth it?
Some people sacrifice their health, others their family, others their reputation, others their money… for things that may provide immediate relief or satisfaction, but eventually leave us empty, miserable.
Is it worth it?
Today’s reading is a time for us to evaluate what we are pursuing in life, and to ask ourselves honestly, is it worth it?
What are you sacrificing, what are you gaining?
At the end of your life will you look back with joy at how you spent your life?
Or will you, like Esau, realize you have up something more valuable.
Will I, like Judas, discover that I lost the most precious thing in the world, for a few silver coins.
is it worth it?
PRAYER:
Lord, You are revealing to me things that I am pursuing that are definitely NOT worth it. Thank You for this wake up call!
There were various parts that struck me as I read today’s reading.
Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away. He was still an example on how to live before the Lord doing what is right and good and keeping the faith.
Ishmael was also blessed as was told to Hagar but he lived in hostility to those around him. Ugh.
Rebekah inquired of God what was happening to her. Walking with God. It foreshadowed the conflict of the to boys and also the promise/blessing Jacob gave. To be the oldest you received all and yo give that up for a bowl of food just shows that the appetite of the stomach was more important than all else.
May it be said of me, that I too walked and talked with God as I continue to live in His presence say by day doing His will. Happiness is walking with the Lord in His world because my world belongs to God.
This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.
This is my Father’s world, dreaming, I see His face.
I ope my eyes, and in glad surprise cry, “The Lord is in this place.”
This is my Father’s world, from the shining courts above,
The Beloved One, His Only Son,
Came—a pledge of deathless love.
This is my Father’s world, should my heart be ever sad?
The lord is King—let the heavens ring. God reigns—let the earth be glad.
This is my Father’s world. Now closer to Heaven bound,
For dear to God is the earth Christ trod.
No place but is holy ground.
This is my Father’s world. I walk a desert lone.
In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known.
This is my Father’s world, a wanderer I may roam
Whate’er my lot, it matters not,
My heart is still at home.