That Same Red Pottage

Genesis 25:30-31, And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage, for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.

I’ve lost count how many times I have read the account of Jacob and Esau. I can be guilty of skimming over scriptures that are well-known and are on the highlight reel of popular sermons. However, despite myself, God still shines through my humanity, thankfully. I relish moments with the Lord where a word or phrase is magnified and illuminated, just like I was reading it for the very first time.

Genesis 25:30 gives us insight on Esau’s life. When he asks for “that same red pottage” it indicates that this was not the first time he came out of the field feeling desperate for food.

Esau had a pattern of desiring his brothers “red pottage.”

Esau said, “feed me, with that same red pottage.”

Esau’s weaknesses became predictable. His drama became predictable. His lack-of-preparation became predictable.

The way you pattern your life is important and the things you hunger after are important.

The things that you do consistently on a day-to-day basis are important.

• What are some routines that you have in your life that are altering your spiritual health in a positive or negative way?

God is paying attention to you. And, the enemy of your soul is also paying close attention, knowing that when you are in a weakened state you are vulnerable. If the enemy can talk a third of the angels out of heaven, then he can be persuasive enough to talk someone into hell.

Today, you and I have a spiritual inheritance to be with our Lord and Savior for all eternity and it is up to us to choose what is more important; momentary pleasure or eternal reward?

The ancient law of primogeniture gave the right of inheritance exclusively to the eldest son. Esau wasn’t just giving away an earthly double portion (he wasn’t only giving away money), but at the heart of his birthright were the covenant promises that Isaac, his father, inherited from Abraham.

Scripture proves what we hunger and how we pattern our life is important.

Esau, after a day in the field was hungry enough and sold his birthright for lentils, a plant that grows in the worst soil.

Today Is A New Day

The power of choice puts a weight of responsibility in our hands. What choice can you make today that will impact your eternity? And, what decisions are you making that will lead to a destiny designed by God? The choice is yours.

If you feel faint like Esau and feel like you have nothing left to live for, I am here to tell you that there is hope today. God has a plan and a purpose for your life.

Your life is worth more than a bowl of red lentil soup. Your life is worth more than the sum of your sins and mistakes. Your life is worth more than your insecurities and fears. Your life is worth more than old habits that don’t pay eternal dividends.

You are here for a reason. You have a birthright on your life and attached to your birthright are the blessings of God.

Today, your birthright is not for sale.

Today is the day of salvation. Now is the time to become resolute with the things of God and to pattern your life after our loving Savior.

God has a plan for your life.

Prayer: Lord, my greatest desire is to pattern my life after you. I pray you would show me negative patterns in my life that are affecting my spiritual walk and help me change. I desire 2024 to be a year I draw closer to You than ever before. I believe that You have a plan and purpose for my life and I pray that I will follow after You and fulfill Your perfect will. I am resolute to not sell my birthright but to cherish Your eternal blessings.