Welcome to the daily bread devotional, where we share insights from God’s Word and apply them to our lives. Today, we will look at the life of Esau, the eldest son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Jacob. Esau’s life was full of mistakes and losses, but also of grace and forgiveness. He teaches us some valuable lessons on how to deal with our past, our present, and our future. Let’s dive into his story and see what we can learn from him.
Esau was the eldest son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Jacob. He was a skilled hunter and a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet and simple man who dwelt in tents. Esau was also the favorite son of his father, who loved his game meat, while Jacob was the favorite son of his mother, who helped him deceive his father and obtain his blessing.
Esau’s life was marked by several mistakes and losses. He sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of lentil stew, despising his inheritance and showing a lack of faith in God’s promises. He married two Hittite women, who were a grief to his parents and a source of idolatry. He was cheated out of his father’s blessing by Jacob, who disguised himself as Esau and lied to Isaac. He harbored hatred and resentment towards Jacob, and vowed to kill him after his father’s death.
Esau’s life was also marked by God’s grace and forgiveness. God did not reject Esau, but blessed him with wealth and prosperity. He gave him the land of Seir, where he became the father of the Edomites. He also gave him a chance to reconcile with Jacob, who returned to Canaan after 20 years of exile. Esau welcomed Jacob with a hug and a kiss, and forgave him for his wrongs. He accepted Jacob’s gifts and offered to accompany him on his journey. He showed a generous and magnanimous spirit, and a willingness to let go of the past.
Esau’s life teaches us some valuable lessons on forgiveness and grace. We learn that:
Forgiveness is a gift from God. It is not something we earn or deserve, but something we receive by His mercy. God forgives us for our sins, and He expects us to forgive others who sin against us. Forgiveness frees us from bitterness and anger, and restores our relationship with God and others.
Forgiveness is a choice. It is not a feeling or an emotion, but a decision we make to release the offender from our judgment and vengeance. Forgiveness does not mean we condone or forget the offense, but that we entrust it to God, who is the righteous judge. Forgiveness does not depend on the offender’s apology or repentance, but on our obedience to God’s command.
Forgiveness is a process. It is not a one-time event, but a journey we take with God’s help. Forgiveness may not be easy or immediate, but it is possible and necessary. Forgiveness may require time and prayer, and sometimes counseling and reconciliation. Forgiveness may involve pain and tears, but it also brings healing and peace.
Esau’s life reminds us that we are all sinners in need of God’s grace and forgiveness. We have all sinned against God and others, and we have all been sinned against by others. We have all experienced the consequences of sin, and we have all been offered the opportunity to repent and be forgiven. We have all been called to forgive as we have been forgiven, and to extend grace as we have received grace.
Let us pray:
Lord, thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for our sins and to rise again for our justification. Thank You for forgiving us and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. Help us to forgive others as You have forgiven us. Help us to overcome evil with good, and to live in peace and harmony with our brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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