Genesis 25:19-34; 27:18-38; 33:1-11
Letting our cravings lead us through life is a recipe for disaster.
Last week we looked at Hebrews 12, which contrasts “Jesus… who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” with “Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.” Let’s take a closer look at Esau—what he did, what was done to him, what the end result was—so that we can be better equipped to endure the hardships and difficulties we’ll face in our own lives.
Read Genesis 25:19-34:
- What do we know about Esau and Jacob from this passage?
- Why was Esau in such a desperate state in verses 29-32?
- Have you ever done something foolish or reckless because of a desire or craving that got out of control?
Read Genesis 27:18-38:
- What do you think is the worst part of this passage?
- Would you say that Esau is to blame in any way for what happened here?
- Have you ever been victimized by someone’s “deceitful schemes”? What did you do about it?
Read Genesis 33:1-11:
- How do you think Jacob expected Esau to react to seeing him again?
- What stands out most to you in this passage?
- When was a time when you were truly afraid? What caused that fear?
Taking it Home:
- When you are in “pot of stew” moments, how can you look to God to sustain you through the discomfort?
- How have you seen God’s lovingkindness on display in your life recently?
Ways to Pray:
- Adoration: Praise God as better than any person, place, thing, or idea on which we might ever set our hearts.
- Contrition: Repent of any recent patterns in your life where you’ve chased after quick fixes instead of waiting on the Lord.
- Thankfulness: Thank God for being the source of living water than will satisfy our deepest thirst.
- Supplication: Ask God to give you a “holy stubbornness” to keep clinging to and chasing after him, no matter what.
Additional Scriptures to Engage with this week:
- Jeremiah 2:1-13
- Revelation 7:9-17
- Isaiah 48
- Exodus 17:1-7
- Isaiah 65
- Jeremiah 31:23-34