TOPIC : ESAU DESCENDANT

Opening Prayer: I open my heart to meditate on your word, teach me your ways oh Lord.

Scripture: Genesis 36:1 – 43

Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?

Today’s reading is about Esau or Edom (Genesis 25:25,30) and his descendants. He married wives from the Canaanites (v.2, cf., Genesis 26:34‐38). What effect did this choice have on him? He has been noted as one who makes choices without considering the consequences (Hebrews 12:16‐17). Despite his many weaknesses however, Esau still had a good side.

He had previously welcomed his brother Jacob despite the pain of stolen blessings. What else did Esau do in vs.6‐8 as a caring, responsible senior brother? In several African countries, tension, conflicts and brutal wars are still being fought over land. If only we could learn from Abraham, and now Esau. God’s blessings brought the responsibility to act fairly and sacrificially. In doing this, what lesson could Esau have learnt from Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 13:5‐12; 26:20)?

Peacemakers often seem like fools and weaklings, until blessings start flowing later in life. From vs.40‐43 alone, we count 13 chiefs listed from the offspring of Esau. Believers must initiate and cooperate with others to bring about peace and harmony, even with those who oppose them.

Closing Prayer
• Lord, help me to be your agent of peace in this world of tension, and be willing to sacrifice for the welfare of others

Offer a prayer of faith in line with
Psalms 34:10; Hosea 10‐12