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| THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS |
Genesis 27:34-37 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
34 When Esau heard his father’s words, he
became very angry and bitter. He cried out and said to his father, “Then bless
me also, father!”
35 Isaac said, “Your brother tricked me! He
came and took your blessing!”
36 Esau said, “His name is Jacob. That is the
right name for him. He has tricked me twice. He took away my rights as the
firstborn son. And now he has taken away my blessing.”
If anyone had the right to be ticked off it was Esau. His
brother had made a case study of Esau since childhood and knew his weaknesses
and how to use them to his advantage. He also knew how to work his mother as he
was her favorite.
Being the firstborn Esau had certain rights and Jacob used
guile to rob him of both. Had this not
happened the way it was played out, our history would be written differently.
How many of you have some of the feelings Esau harbored and believe
you have been taken advantage of within the family structure.
Perhaps you didn’t “get yours” and are carrying around bad
feeling toward other members of the family. The cost for harboring those hurts
and feelings come at a high price. Your psychological profile carries not only
the reality of the circumstance but also an unreality conjured up by damaged
feelings.
Jacob didn’t get off Scott free because the separation from
his family cost him greatly but it was Esau who suffered the most for those
many years until he got over it. The time came when he forgave Jacob the
offending one and this brought a measure of peace to his soul.
To those who harbor unforgiveness; I encourage you to take advantage
of what forgiving the guilty person can do for you and what they did even if
they have passed on.
This isn’t a total remedy because forgiveness doesn’t
provide forgetfulness but it is the best thing we have to deal with the malady
of being short changed some way.
Mark 11:25 “And
when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so
that your Father in heaven may forgive you
your sins."
This post is shared at “Tell Me a True Story.”
amen, well said.
ReplyDeleteThis story of these brothers, Esau and Jacob, makes a great point when it comes to forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteThank you Robert, for sharing your awesome post with us here at “Tell Me a Story.” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteEncouraging instead of unforgiveness is the best we can do. There's always something and/or someone that has put us in danger. Trusting the Lord, focusing on Him is all we can ever do. Amazingly, He can/will break into the hearts and serious situations with those who are dangerous. Thanks for sharing.
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