Message summary: Today's lesson reminds us of the much greater value of long-term rewards over short-term fulfillment.

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"So Esau despised his birthright" (Genesis 25:34).

When studying the Bible and the stories from history they present at least two types of value:

Today's story is found in Genesis 25:27-34. Esau and Jacob, twin boys of Isaac and Rebekah, had grown up and each demonstrated different interests. "Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents" (Genesis 25:27). The life of Jacob, the herdsman and shepherd, is contrasted with that of the fierce and roving huntsman.

Jacob, who had a pattern of deception, cunningly used his own brother's weakness to his own advantage, in stealing his birthright.

Here's the context: "When Jacob had cooked stew, Esau came in from the field and he was famished; and Esau said to Jacob, 'Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff there, for I am famished.' Therefore his name was called Edom. But Jacob said, 'First sell me your birthright.' Esau said, 'Behold, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?' And Jacob said, 'First swear to me'; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright" (Genesis 25:29-34).

There's so much to learn in this story.

But today let us just consider the phrase this account ends with: "So Esau despised his birthright".

The birthright had to do with both inheritance of goods and position. Esau acted impulsively. He did not value his birthright over a bowl of lentil stew. By his actions, Esau demonstrated that he did not deserve to be the one who continues Abraham's responsibilities and rewards under God's covenant, since he did not have the steady, thoughtful qualities which were required.

Like Esau, in many ways we all face many tests in life between the short-term fulfillment and the long-term reward.

A great example of one who passed this test was Moses who, "By faith, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward" (Hebrews 11:24-26).

The Scriptures demonstrate their integrity by showing not only the positive qualities of great character but also the negative. It records the story of David and his dalliance with Bathsheba. What a costly sin David experienced for the passing pleasures of sin (short-term fulfillment). So many were adversely and irreversibly affected.

How often in our own lives do we foolishly rob ourselves of a future blessing in favor of instant gratification? May today's story reinforce in our lives the much greater value of long-term reward over short-term fulfillment.

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13.

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber