Bible Reading: Genesis 27:36
Esau made some dumb mistakes.
First, he foolishly traded his birthright – his position as heir to all of his father’s
possessions – for a bowl of soup.
Then, when Esau’s brother, Jacob, outsmarted him and tricked their father into giving him Esau’s blessing, Esau allowed his disappointment and frustration to turn into bitterness, anger, and hatred. Speaking to his father about Jacob Esau said, “Isn't he rightly named Jacob? He has deceived me these two times: He took my birthright, and now he's taken my blessing! Haven't you reserved any blessing for me?” Esau blamed his brother for everything that had happened and wanted Jacob to pay with his life.
Jacob wasn’t innocent, but he wasn’t totally to blame either. Esau needed to take responsibility for his own thoughts and actions. He let himself down, he let his father down, and he let God down.
Esau discovered that blaming his brother didn’t solve anything. In fact, Jacob ran away in fear, and Esau didn’t see him for 20 years. Even after Esau forgave Jacob, Esau never regained his lost birthright and blessing.
Have you faced up to any foolish choices or bad decisions that you have made? Have you honestly tried to clear up any misunderstandings with others before they could get out of hand?
I hope you and I will face our mistakes head on and take responsibility for the consequences of our actions.
“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to see my actions for what they are and take responsibility for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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