Counting the Cost of a Single Meal

Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau,

who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. 

You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected.

It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears.

Hebrews 12:16-17

This passage from Hebrews  opened my eyes to the consequences of our choices in moments of desperation. How hungry do you have to be to give up something of such incredible significance?

Or perhaps it’s not actually about being hungry. But, it’s about carelessness, a failure to take God’s favor seriously, and an insatiable desire that demanded immediate satisfaction.

Hunger is a temporary state of being.

Yet, hunger can be endured if the purpose for doing so is weighty enough .

As I was studying this passage my mother approached me asking, “Do you remember this song?”  and proceeded to sing, “Lord, help me to hold out, I’m just about to make it over, Lord, help me to hold out!”

When we find ourselves in a place of desperation that would cause us to act in an immoral or irreverent manner, may we remember to cry out to God for strength.

I read that Esau traded his birthright, the choicest blessings from his father, for a bowl of lentil stew. The cost of a 16 oz. bag of lentils is $0.98.  98 cents! Can you imagine? 98 cents worth of food caused him a lifetime of regret. His temporary relief came at a much higher price in the end. Bitter tears and pleading couldn’t remove the devastating the stain of his choice.

I’m grateful that we have a Father who gives us second chances. We are not left without an opportunity to repent. God’s love and favor await us.  Remember, while we were sinners Christ died for us.

If we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive. He is faithful to cleanse us from unrighteousness. Hold on, dear one, stand strong, stay in sync with His grace, and you will receive the blessings He has in store for you!

Let’s Reflect: Think of a time when you missed out on a blessing because of your choices.  How did that make you feel? Take some time to journal about the incident/s and open your hands and place it all at God’s feet.

Let’s Pray:  Dear Heavenly Father,  I am so grateful for the gift of Your Son and the price He paid for me to come close to You. Help me to understand the weight of His sacrifice. Help me to take my spiritual life seriously. Help me not to just go through the motions hoping that You’ll understand. Help me to hold out and stand strong in Your strength in times when I am weak. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.