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Daily Devotion: Genesis 36:1-3, 6-7

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Genesis 36:1-3    "Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom. Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth."

Genesis 36:6-7    "And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob. For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle." 

Esau, also called Edom, was prone to rash decisions. The name Esau means “rough.” Edom means “red,” and refers to his decision to sell his birthright for a bowl of red pottage (soup – Genesis 25:29-32). Esau married wives that were convenient to him. He also took these wives to dishonor his parents (Genesis 28:6-9). He had anger issues and was determined to kill his brother, Jacob.

We need to guard our attitude every day. If not, we are going to make regrettable decisions in life. We are going to give up things of great worth for a moment of immediate gratification. Living a life that honors our Heavenly Father and our church will not always be convenient for us. We will have to turn away from the daughters of the land (our natural desires) and seek those things where the Spirit of God leads us.

It is very possible to become rich in the things of the world. Esau amassed a great wealth by taking to himself the things he found in Canaan, but he also gathered up their gods and their unrighteous ways. His wealth was not compatible with the blessings that God had given to Jacob. This resulted in them not being able to dwell together. 

The riches of the world (1 John 2:15-16) are not compatible with the things of God (1 John 2:17). We will find it impossible to have lasting fellowship with those whose riches are in the world around them. As servants of God, we cannot live in those things and continue to be His servants. Let us learn to be thankful to our Heavenly Father for the blessings of His kingdom and faithful in His service.


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