SCRIPTURE: Genesis 36
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
Esau took his wives from the women of Canaan… [Genesis 36:2-3]
Now that his father is gone, Esau is less concerned about pleasing him.
We read earlier that Esau knew his father’s concern about who his sons married, so that the time he tried to please his father by marrying a distant relative.
Esau then realized how displeasing the Canaanite women were to his father Isaac; so he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham, in addition to the wives he already had. [Genesis 28:8-9]
But today we see that his interest in pleasing his father was short-lived, now that his father has died.
Who are we living to please, who are we performing for?
Often we do things for others but when they’re not looking we do things as we want to.
The problem with living to please others is two-fold: (1) the expectations of others are often not realistic or appropriate, (2) we become enslaved to others, rather than doing what is right and good.
We were created to do what is right and good, and this pleases God.
Pleasing God is not just about appeasing His arbitrary pleasures, but is tied to what is right and good – God’s expectations are good and pleasing and appropriate.
The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him. [John 8:29]
God’s concern for who we marry is in our best interest.
His concern for who we live in close fellowship with is also for our own good.
All of God’s will is for the best, not only for us but for all creation, all people.
If only we realized this, we too would see how healthy it is to live for God.
People throughout history have found out the hard way that pursuing our own pleasure, or performing for the pleasure of others, is a destructive, disappointing path.
** I think of a dear Christian friend who wanted so bad to be married that she married a non Christian… and now struggles with the aftermath of a painful marriage.
God’s will is not harsh, unfair or unrealistic.
When we offer ourselves to God first, like Jesus did, then we discover “his good, pleasing and perfect will.” [Romans 12:1-2]
We experience harmony in our relationship with Him, like Jesus did, and peace and joy and fulfillment within ourselves.
Who are you living to please – yourself, others, or God?
Is living to please yourself or others liberating you, or is leading you deeper in trouble?
Test God and His will, and you will discover that His will liberates and blesses – maybe not right away but certainly in the long run!
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to see that living to please You is the best way to live, because You really do know what is best for all of us!
God is true to His promises. Esau, who sold his birthright prospered as his father Abraham had told him. Those who do wrong seem often to be so strong while those who live according to His Word seem to be lagging behind. But then my eyesight is not 20/20. God is God and He is in charge and I must continue to be a kingdom worker with all that I have with my eyes focussed on Jesus and not on the things of this world.
To be happy . . . is serving the Lord.
Help me daily Lord to see You and help me to keep my eyes on Jesus and not on the things of this world.
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.