Esau sold his birthright to his brother, Jacob, for some of Jacob’s bread and lentil stew. The Bible says this regarding that event, “So Esau despised his birthright.” (Genesis 25:34 NIV)
The Hebrew word translated by our English word “despised” is defined by Hebrew dictionaries as follows: “raise the head loftily and disdainfully”, “despise”, “regard with comtempt”, “think lightly of”.
It is the word God uses to describe David’s action when he sinned with Bathsheba and killed her husband. “You have despised me”, God said.
Esau’s action is used as a warning for us. “See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.”
(Hebrews 12:16 NIV)
We have been offered a great inheritance through faith in Jesus. Through him we are offered eternal life as the very children of God.
So what is there in this world more important than listening to Jesus? Worshipping him? Obeying him? Loving him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength?