QT 10/14/2025 Gen 25:24–34, We all need transformation

Genesis 25:24–34 (RSV) —

24 When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first came forth red, all his body like a hairy mantle; so they called his name Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came forth, and his hand had taken hold of Esau’s heel; so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.

27 When the boys grew up, Esau was a skilful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. 28 Isaac loved Esau, because he ate of his game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.

29 Once when Jacob was boiling pottage, Esau came in from the field, and he was famished. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red pottage, for I am famished!” (Therefore his name was called Edom.) 31 Jacob said, “First sell me your birthright.” 32 Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” 33 Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils, and he ate and drank, and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

 

NOTE: I really don't find anything commendable in this passage. Some commentators suggest that Jacob regarded the spiritual whereas Esau was only interested in the physical / material things of life. I don't find Jacob's actions honorable even if this is an acceptable practice: a birthright for a bowl a soup is stealing, even if the other person agrees. I think it shows two sinful men, and two poor examples of parents who played favorites. But God can take sinful men and by his grace transform them. While Esau does become an enemy of Jacob for a bit after Jacob flees, they reunite on his return 20 years later. And Jacob is a different person too, chastised by God, and finally will understand what a relationship with God is worth (20-plus years later). We learn in this passage that God can take sinful men and transform them. It is not our upbringing that defines us, but rather our response to God that will define us.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I willing to let God transform me?
2. Do I blame my circumstances on factors outside of me?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am not who I am because of my parents (thankfully) but because you got a hold of me after High School and transformed me. I would be a mess (like some of my brothers and sisters) if not for grace and power. Thank you for life, the new life you have given.