Have you exchanged the blessing of the Lord for a bowl of stew? In Genesis 25, the scripture tells us that Esau was so famished that he gave up his birthright for a bowl of stew. He chose to value his appetite more than his birthright! Most of the time, exchanging a blessing for a bowl of stew is not an intentional event, but it is a gradual devaluation of our blessings for the exchange of something that gives us temporary relief! Esau’s appetite in some shape or form can be our appetite.
Below are some examples:
When we were a new baby believer, we were excited about our new faith. We so appreciated the freedom that Jesus gave us; we wouldn’t replace it with anything in this world. We were ready to tell the world about our newfound faith. We didn’t know anything about church or its structure, but we loved Jesus and that’s all that mattered to us.
Our new faith brought us to church, and we started getting involved. We wanted to greet people at the door, so we can just share the joy with others. Over time, things started changing. Now this Welcoming ministry looks problematic. We used to be eager about greeting people and helping them feel welcome; now it’s not very motivating anymore. We used to know how a new person feels when they walk in the church for the first time. That thought doesn’t cross our minds anymore. As a matter of fact, we would rather just visit with our friends than look for a newcomer.
The Lord opened a door for a great job five years ago. What a blessing it was! However, the job is not that great anymore. The Co-workers are irritating. The boss is demanding, and we don’t really feel appreciated. There is no upward mobility in this job. Now we’re not sure if this job is a blessing or a demonic stronghold!
We had been praying for a spouse for years, and the Lord gave us a wise and caring one. After being married for ten years, things have changed. The husband we thought was so caring doesn’t listen to us anymore! He is becoming difficult to live with. The only time we can get our way is when we remind him of what Pastor preached on Sunday. Then he reluctantly goes along with it. Since he is not a very happy man these days, we would rather be spending our time with our girlfriends, so we can feel understood. As a matter of fact, his issues are the subject of many of our conversations.
Gradually all the privileges that we were blessed with a few years ago, have diminished in value. The bowls of stew are enticing and interesting. We are famished to be valued and understood. We think: “My marriage would be a lot better if my husband could be a Godly man like my Pastor! As for my boss, my girlfriend totally understands me when I vent about him. She thinks I should quit right away and look for something else. As for my ministry, I’m too mature for Welcoming ministry, and I don’t think this ministry is that effective anyway. If people have questions, they can go to the information table. We don’t need greeters. After all, I’ve given many suggestions to the ministry leaders and no one seems to listen. I don’t think they appreciate me over there. Maybe I should find another place to serve!!”
Lord, forgive us for the times we have despised your blessings, and we haven’t valued what you’ve given us. Help us to desire what we already have. We don’t want to take them for granted.
Thank you for what you brought into our lives years ago. Thank you for the privileges you have granted to us. Amen.
For comments, please email me at karlinefischer@yahoo.com.