A message by the Rev. Violeta DeRosas, Enrollment Associate, San Francisco Theological Seminary/Southern California - Pasadena.
Genesis 25:19-34
The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”
The story of Jacob and Esau who were born twins is not an ordinary event. It is a story of cheating, betrayal, favoritism, broken relationship, hatred, anger and rivalry. Of course, if this story will be made into a movie, perhaps, it is a block buster. The twists and turns of the event are very unusual. Movie goers nowadays prefer to watch a movie that makes them think critically, and apply the event to the present situation. Others prefer realistic scenario and at the same time engaging, and applicable to life experience.
I remember one time I watched a Filipino movie together with my co-worker. The movie was melancholic that after watching it my co-worker and I could not stop crying. Instead of enjoying the movie, we ended up going home sad. I told myself, I will never again watch a sad movie. Going back to the story of Jacob and Esau, if we engaged in the story deeply, there is more we will learn out of it.
The story tells us the character of the twins. Esau grew up to become a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, an outdoor kind of guy who loved to do the things a father could take pride in. Jacob on the other hand was a quiet man and preferred to stay at tents. He was a man of peaceful habits. What a contrast? The story also tells us that Rebekah favored Jacob while Isaac favored or loved Esau. Picture it; the story gives us a hint that there is something wrong in the household of Isaac. Both parents showed favoritism and their family relationship was not at all healthy. Can you picture yourself as a parent doing the same thing?
Of course, in the story, Isaac and Rebekah’s favoritism served to widen the gap between the twins. Parents please don’t be guilty of this type of favoritism. While a child’s interests or disposition may tempt you to be partial, do not succumb. Love each of your children equally; if favoritism exists in the family it will cause division and disunity.
If we go further, the story tells us that one day; Esau came home hungry and asked for a bowl of lentils. Jacob took the opportunity and asked if Esau could sell his birthright for a bowl of lentil soup. In which, of course, the story tells us that Esau sold his birthright to Jacob.
What is this birthright that I am talking about and how important it is for us as Christians. Let me explain it first. In the case of Esau, the birthright that he received involves the right of the first-born to a larger part or portion of the inheritance, than what the other son received. The portion of the firstborn child was two times larger than what the others received. In the story, Esau wasted his birthright in exchange with a bowl of lentil soup.
What lesson we can get out of this situation? Sometimes, we as Christians trade the birthright or the spiritual inheritance that we receive from God for a short pleasure that we can get out from this world. We exchange our integrity, our family relationship, values in life, lust for material things and money and we forget the birthright that God has entrusted to us.
We, as Christians fail to acknowledge the birthright that we should always carry wherever we go and what ever we do. Sometimes the outside world can not recognize and experience the love of God because as Christ’s followers we do not know how to show it to those who really need it.
Sometimes our birthright is clouded by the pressure of the world. We exchange our birthright by our worldly priorities in life. When we are succumbed to this kind of life our spiritual line which is connected directly to God is drifting away or drifting apart. We do not realize that the connection is broken and our birthright is gone.
How could we then make a difference and practice the real essence of our birthright as children of God.
I would like to share three things. First, we will learn from the story itself, and that is learning from their mistakes. The story of Jacob and Esau is clear that there was a mistake done by the parents; favoritism. Favoritism ruins dreams and lives. Sometimes, we ignore this act or practice simply because we thought that it is not a big deal. But in real essence, this small act of impartiality brings injustice, put a wall between the ways, we treat people, and hinders the love of God that we as Christians are encouraged to bring to the world. As an encouragement to all of us, we will continue to practice our spiritual birthright or inheritance. The way we talk, act, and treat others is a constant reminder that our spiritual birthright should always be on. Do not turn it off. One of my favorite verses found in 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman or workwoman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Second, the story of Jacob and Esau reminds us of making choices. Yes, I say, “choices”. Esau made a choice to sell his birthright in exchange for a bowl of lentils. In our life, when we make choices or decisions, do we always include or ask God for guidance and leading. Human as we are, we make mistakes and bad choices or decisions in life. When we fail and stumble because of wrong decisions we make, do we blame God for it? When was the last time you asked God to totally control your life and wait for God’s will?
Making choices are not that easy, whether looking for a life partner, changing career, moving or buying a house, as a church hiring or calling for a new pastor, or as a pastor looking for another church assignment and the list goes on and on. Of all of these things, we should remember, God is waiting to hear our prayers and ready to usher us into a new beginning. In Philippians 4:5-7 say, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Whatever decisions and choices we are going to make let it be known to God. Pray and believe that God’s assurance of comfort, peace and guidance will abide us as we journey to the unknown.
Lastly, the story reminds us of “God’s plan and not our plan.” Verse 23 says, “The Lord said to her, (Rebekah) “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger that the other, and the older will serve the younger.” God has a plan in the lives of Jacob and Esau.
How about you? How about this church? As a church located in Los Angeles, what kind of spiritual and social actions planning that this church is involved in? Can the outside world see Christ in this church? Can people say, “This church is open for changes and challenges and ready to embrace a new beginning? If God ask this church today, whom I am going to send? I s there somebody in this congregation who will stand up and say, “here I am Lord send me.” God’s plan for all of us is to prosper. Are you ready to accept the challenging responsibilities right now? Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we can, if we continue to walk together with God and as we build for our future; we should include God in our planning.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, the challenging responsibilities are presented in front of us. In our decision makings, in our planning and in our dealing with other people or to the outside world, may we find God’s guiding hands leading us “the way the truth and the life.”
I would like to end my sermon by sharing with you a poem entitled,
“God Is Present Everywhere”
Those who seek the throne of grace, Find that throne in every place;
If we live a life of prayer, God is present everywhere.
In our sickness and our health, In our want, or in our wealth,
If we look to God in prayer, God is present everywhere.
When our earthly comforts fail, When the woes of life prevail, ‘Tis the time for earnest prayer; God is present everywhere.
Then, my soul, in every strait, To thy Father come, and wait;
He will answer every prayer: God is present everywhere.
As we continue to serve God, may God find us faithful in doing his service and at the end of the day, may we experience and feel the smile and nod of God. Amen.
