The Weight of the Moment

August 20, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.” Hebrews 12:16-17

 

     A birthright was a special honor given to the first-born son. It included a double portion of the family inheritance along with the honor of one day becoming the family leader. The oldest son could sell his birthright or give it away if he chose, but in doing so, he forfeited his position as family leader.

 

Esau:   “Boy am I starved! Give me a bite of that red stuff there!”

Jacob:  “All right, trade me your birthright for it!”

Esau:   “When a man is dying of starvation, what good is his birthright?”

Jacob:  “Well then, vow to God that it is mine!”

 

     And Esau did just that - thereby selling all his eldest-son rights to his younger brother. Then Jacob gave Esau bread, peas, and stew; so he ate and drank and went on about his business, unconcerned to the loss of the rights he had thrown away.”

 

     Esau showed complete disregard for the spiritual blessings that would have come his way had he not traded the lasting benefits of his birthright for the immediate pleasure of food. Just as we do at times, Esau acted on impulse, satisfying his immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences of his actions.

 

     We often fall into the same trap.  When we see something we want, our first impulse is to get it. At first we feel intensely satisfied and sometimes even powerful because we have gotten what we wanted. But immediate pleasure often loses sight of the future. We can avoid this mistake if we compare the short-term satisfaction with the long-range consequences – before we act. 

 

     Esau exaggerated his hunger, (“I’m dying of starvation”). His thinking was - if he was starving, what good was an inheritance anyway? The pressure of the moment twisted his perspective and made his decision seem urgent. We often find ourselves in that similar situation, don’t we?  We feel such great pressure in one area that nothing else seems to matter. The weight of the moment makes us lose our perspective. Working through that short, stress -filled moment of “urge” is often the hardest part of overcoming a temptation.

 

     What are you willing to trade for the things you want? Do you find yourself, at times, willing to negotiate anything for what you feel you need or want right that minute – a new car – new purse – new clothes – a motorcycle – a boat – a cigarette – a drink – a phone call – a date? Does your family, a spouse, your integrity, your body, or your soul get included in those deals? Do you fail to stop and think through all that is involved and the long-term cost at stake?

 

     Our lives are filled with choices, some we end up regretting bitterly. Are you a person who finds it hard to consider consequences? Do you react to the need of the moment without realizing what you would be giving up to meet that need?

 

     If so, your initial response may not be in line with what should be your greatest need. The only worthy focal point is God. A relationship with Him will not only give an ultimate purpose to your life, but will also be a daily guideline for living.

 

Dear God,

 

     Make me wise to the fact that there is more to this existence than the material side of things – and the weight of the moment.  Help me look through to the consequences of my present desires. Today let me rest in your steadfast love. You are truly all I need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14