grief – CadreMen Press

Esau’s Tragedy

Esau’s Tragedy by Kirk Hunt

lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

Hebrews 12:16-17 NKJV
Read also Hebrews 12:14-17

Esau could not take it back. When he sold his birthright for a meal, that was the ballgame. His tears and sincerity later did not matter. The blessings of God are His gift, and we reject them at our own peril. Esau’s tragedy is that he took too long to take God seriously.

Do God’s people make mistakes? Of course they do. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all made serious errors and blunders. But they always respected God, and His promises.

In His mercy and grace, God allowed Esau to be a significant person (for Abraham’s sake). But Esau’s descendants are a footnote in history, and the man himself is a negative example in Scripture. Esau is a warning that you can burn your standing with God.

Psalms 103:8-10 contains chilling words. God’s mercy and grace end, often where His justice and righteousness begin. Esau despised the gifts of God, and was surprised to find himself rejected by God.

God’s mercy, justice, grace and judgment are infinite in capacity, but not application. Esau learned that God makes choices about who He advances and who He rejects. Esau’s tragedy is that he found out, too late.

Think: God’s and His promises are serious business. Are my choices serious about God?

Pray: “Lord, help me to take You, and Your promises, seriously.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Esau’s Choices

Esau’s Choices by Kirk Hunt

When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite. And they were a grief of mind to Isaac and Rebekah.

Genesis 26:34-35NKJV

After devaluing and disdaining his birthright, Esau chose wives from among the Hittite people. Scripture does not explain Esau’s reasoning for selecting his wives, or anyone’s actions after the marriages. All we know from verse 35 is that Rebekah and Issac experienced sorrow and anguish because of their daughter-in-laws.

God does not make robots of us. We are free to choose our lives and actions. You should understand that choices always have outcomes and impacts. Some have far more impact than others.

The people you include, or exclude, from your life are one of the most critical choices you can make. Esau’s choice of wives resulted in his parents grief and regret at his decisions. While neither spouses or parents are ever perfect, complete dismay at your choice of husband or wife should be a warning sign.

All of your choices mean something. Some, matter greatly. A long series of good and wise choices lead to particular outcomes. An extended string of bad and foolish choices lead to specific results. Pause here and do the math for yourself.

Your choices matter. Your free will comes from God. Your results, most of the time, are what you picked. You are responsible for your choices.

Think: God has given me free will. Are my choices good or bad, wise or foolish?

Pray: “Lord, help me to make my choices in Your will and wisdom.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Mourning The Rejected

“Mourning The Rejected” By Kirk Hunt

Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”

1 Samuel 16:1 NKJV

At first, King Saul had been God’s man, in and through character, anointing and appointment. Even before sparing King Agag, Saul, son of Tish, had become rejected by God. Samuel grieved for the loss.

Saul chose to be rejected. It came one act of pride, arrogance or disobedience at a time. All too soon after his coronation, Saul decided he did not need to obey God or continue following His law.

Godly men and women rarely fall all at one. You just suddenly notice. Like David, Saul likely had multiple opportunities to repent and recover. Thick, thin, bright or dim, the king crossed a final line in God’s judgment and divine rejection..

God is a God of mercy and grace. He is also a God judgment and justice. Seek Him while He can be found.

God ordered Samuel to his feet and sent him to anoint the next king of Israel. Saul could have stayed close to God’s heart and purpose. Instead, he chose to reject God’s plan for himself and the nation. His choice became a tragedy for him and the nation.

Please do not confuse God’s love and mercy for indulgence. Your anointing can be lost. Your appointment can be forfeited.

It may not be “just one more thing.” It may be “the final straw.” Seek God now and seek His continuing acceptance.

Think: What path am I choosing and why?

Pray: “Help me to stay worthy of Your acceptance and approval.”

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.