Genesis 27:34-35 When Esau heard his father’s words, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me—me too, my father!” But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.”
Verses 34 and 38 are so sad with Esau imploring Isaac to “Bless me too,” that if you didn’t know the whole story–Esau despised his birthright, then sold it for a bowl of stew, Isaac and Esau openly set out to ensure Esau received the birthright blessing that was promised to Jacob by God at birth –you’d feel sorry for him.
Genesis 27:36 Esau said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob ? This is the second time he has taken advantage of me: He took my birthright, and now he’s taken my blessing!” Then he asked, “Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?”
As it is, I’m having a hard time feeling sorry for Esau…except that I know the bitterness that can come from the “poor me” attitude that he is espousing here. I know what it feels like to think I’m entitled to something and not get it. So, in a way, I do feel a bit sorry for Esau because I know how what he’s feeling can eat at him, causing all sorts of issues in his thoughts, feelings, and behaviors towards others.
Genesis 27:37 Isaac answered Esau, “I have made him lord over you and have made all his relatives his servants, and I have sustained him with grain and new wine. So what can I possibly do for you, my son?”
Precious Savior, We all know what it’s like to feel entitled to something and not get it. We all know the sting of that rejection. Many of us know the bitterness, anger, and resentment that can come from how we deal with those feelings. Help us to put You first–Your will, Your word, Your way. We can never be worthy of Your love, Jesus, but we can strive to be more like You each day. Help us, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 27:38 Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!” Then Esau wept aloud.
Have a blessed day.