656. GEN 25:34. ESAU, AS A BEACON
Gen_25:34. Esau, As a Beacon
"Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way; thus Esau despised his birthright."’97Gen_25:34.
Few characters have been more misunderstood, and therefore more misrepresented than Esau. He has been introduced as a striking monument of the Divine eternal disapprobation. One of the branded reprobates of the world. He has ever been placed in contrast with Jacob, and those who have delighted in the doctrine of eternal unconditional decrees’97and have ever pointed to him as one of the outcasts from the favor of heaven, and hope of salvation. Now did we read, and thus exposed Esau’s character, we should hold him up as deserving your commiseration, as an object of intense pity; but as being no moral Beacon at all. If he did, as he was irresistibly necessitated to do, then, I am at a loss to understand his responsibility’97and therefore, his sinfulness. But if he could have done otherwise, and did not’97then may I appeal to you, and warn you by his example.
Now this misrepresentation has arisen chiefly from a passage’97Rom_9:3, &c. "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated." Now observe, where it is thus written’97Mal_1:1, &c.; and it is evident that,
It applies to their posterity.
Jacob was to be selected as the progenitor of the Messiah.
Esau’s natural disposition seems equally excellent, and in some things, more noble, &c. But Jacob placed a high value on Divine things, and was a man of piety and devotedness to God.
Now this was the great cardinal sin of Esau, he despised divine things. See Heb_12:16. He preferred earthly and carnal things to the things of God; and this was his own sin and just condemnation.
Now just observe what,
I. Esau despised.
His birthright,’97which included distinguished privileges and blessings.
1. A double portion of the paternal estate.
2. Family rule and authority.
3. The priestly office.
Here then, by an arrangement of God, wealth, honor, and religious influence were combined; and especially bestowed on the first born.
Observe,
II. That for which he sold his birthright.
A meal of pottage. Something good in itself. Of great importance to Esau at the time; yet valueless, compared with what he disposed of. Is it not manifest,
It was a rash bargain.
A carnal bargain.
An exceedingly foolish bargain. Then worst of all, it was
An irretrievable bargain. He could not reverse it, or prevent the consequences. Now, to whom does Esau stand forth as a Beacon? To all who barter away the blessings of salvation, for any, or every consideration the world can present. "What shall it profit," &c. But it will especially apply to the following characters:
To the miser, who sells his soul for gold.
To the ambitious, who sell it for fame.
To the vain, who sell it for show and decoration.
To the sensual, who sell it for carnal delights and pleasures.
To the drunkard, who sells it for intoxicating excitement.
To the worldly, who sells it for earthly advantages.
Alas! how many sell all hope of salvation for the veriest trifles; and thus act a more foolish part than even Esau.
Now, observe, yours is a worse bargain than Esau’s; for there are not merely present distinctions, but spiritual blessings. You hinder a love of knowledge’97pardon’97peace’97hope, &c.
There are eternal blessings. Relate not only to time, but to eternity’97eternal salvation. The everlasting loss of your souls. If lost’97you are eternally lost.
Now, let the subject lead you,
1. To seek divine wisdom.
A due and reasonable estimate of things. A rational value. One formed by the right rule of sanctified reason.
2. Let divine things have both the preference and preeminence.
First in time. First in intense regard. First in constant practical estimation.
3. Let me warn all who are treading in the steps of Esau.
Both the vicious and the virtuous.
Both the repulsive and amiable.
Both the profligate and the reputable.
"One thing is needful." Real practical religion. Faith in Christ. A new nature; and a holy diligence to secure the blessings of eternal life.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS