What is it about 'things' we need? ..the 'things' we are after. Whether it’s material things, essential needs, or emotional longings which need to be satisfied. Each of us has something on our hearts which we really want. Certain 'things' we desire in the long term, but then other we need immediately. We can’t stand delay of gratification. It is the idea of 'I want it and I want it now.' It’s quite natural actually for the heart to have desires and longings, but today's reading prompts the question: what are our hearts ultimately made to desire? What is our ultimate inheritance in life?
Esau sold his birthright for one meal which he needed. As the firstborn from the twins born to Isaac, he was to rightfully inherit not only most of the wealth of his father but also the honor of being the next leader in his clan and being part of the inheritance God promised to his grandfather Abraham. But he sold all that. Not only had he sold his privileges, but his father's trust too. We read that Isaac loved Esau. Isaac must have had great hopes for his firstborn son to be the next spiritual leader of the family, to be part of God's covenant with his family. It could be that Esau just didn't care for all that. Or it could be that he just couldn’t see past his present circumstance and his most immediate need. He needed food and he needed it now. Coming back from long and difficult hunting, he was dehydrated and starved; he desperately needed to eat or he thought he would die – he needed the security of a meal at that moment more than the security of the inheritance God gave him. So when his younger twin brother Jacob simply asked him to sell it to him in exchange for some stew, Esau did.
What is the inheritance God is promising us? Do our hearts desire something more than just things on this earth? Jesus offers the inheritance we were meant to have: true and eternal life and to be children of God. He said:
“I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life.” John 6:47-48
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" John 10:10
More, in Galatians 4:6-7 it is said: “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. "
I pray that we all reflect today, in our heart of hearts what is it that we really need? I pray that the birthright which Christ offers us through his sacrifice and love will restore heats.
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