ODJ: satisfied in Jesus

January 17, 2016 

READ: Genesis 25:29-34 

Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob (v.33).

The woman lost weight and began to feel attractive again. Soon she grew tired of her husband and their life—a life that included four small children. She felt that she had married too young and never had the chance to explore what was out there. Eventually, she threw away family stability—the love and devotion of her husband and the kids’ well-being—to satisfy her desires. When her marital vows became inconvenient, she violated them.

Much like Esau (Genesis 25:32-33), she showed contempt for what was most important and sought fleeting gratification. The foundation of her family life was destroyed for relationships that didn’t last. They were over about as fast as Esau’s meal (v.34). And like Esau, she wasn’t thinking of the long-term consequences of her behavior.

Her actions and Esau’s actions, their sins, remind me of the struggles I’ve faced in dealing with my own desires. Sin can easily entangle us and trip us up when we start focusing solely on ourselves. When our eyes are fixed there, they won’t be fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). And that’s when destruction can creep into our lives and the lives of those around us. And so, as the writer of Hebrews states: “Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal” (vv.16-17).

As Esau discovered, life’s pleasures can’t compare to the blessings of God. Jesus said, “My purpose is to give [believers in Christ] a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10). Our ultimate needs and desires can only be satisfied in a relationship with Him. May we fix our eyes on Christ today and experience the joy and fulfillment He alone provides!

—Marlena Graves

365-day-plan: Genesis 27:1-40