Despised Inheritance

Christians are considered by non-believers to be exclusive. We are, because the Bible says to be. One of the examples we’ve studied lately is Esau.

For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. (Hebrews 12:17 KJV)

As the first born, his father’s goods were to be his inheritance, exclusively. This included a blessing. That held greater meaning for Esau, for he was next in line for God’s blessing, passed from Abraham to Isaac and intended for the son to carry the line forward.

Esau blew it. For a few moments of pleasure and the laziness to not fix his own meal, he sold his birthright.

And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? (Genesis 25:29-32 KJV)

In a similar manner, some people reject God’s word, the message of those He sends to teach, giving up all the blessings promised. They despise the promised birthright, and lose it.

Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright. (Genesis 25:34 KJV)

Christians, on the other hand, heed God’s word, where we’re told:

For our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:29 KJV)

Judgment is not exclusive. We all will stand before God and hear the charges against us. The exclusivity is exercised here. The faithful believers will have respected God’s word. The non-believers will have despised it. The results are pre-recorded.

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:27-31 KJV)

I feel regret and sadness for those who deny Christ’s sacrifice, who think Him unholy. But, the exclusivity is not my decision. It is defined in His word.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12 KJV)

I believe God’s word.

Detail from "Esau Sells His Birthright for Pottage of Lentils", from "Figures de la Bible" Illustrations published by p. de Hondt in 1728 (Wiki Commons)