Bible Study Lessons, Genesis 27:41-46
In this Bible study from Genesis, Esau is angry at Jacob because of his lost blessing. The lesson is about what happens when anger takes over.
Anger can make people do strange things – Even up to the point of threatening murder.
As we will see in the story of Jacob and Esau according to Genesis, anger seldom turns out well.
The older brother loses his blessing and his birthright. Let’s see how he reacts.
How would you & I react?
Continuing Story of Jacob and Esau – Esau is Angry
So Esau bore a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him; and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Now when the words of her elder son Esau were reported to Rebekah, she sent and called her younger son Jacob, and said to him, “Behold your brother Esau is consoling himself concerning you by planning to kill you.
Now therefore, my son, obey my voice, and arise, flee to Haran, to my brother Laban! – Genesis 27:41-43 NASB
Two Brothers, A Mother, A Birthright and Anger
In this study lesson, we continue with the drama of Jacob and Esau.
You know how it began back in Genesis 27:1-40 so I won’t rehash the wrongness of Jacob in that story.
The point we will cover today is the reaction of anger Esau displays.
Anger and the Reaction
Yes, Jacob was wrong in stealing Esau’s blessing and birthright. It rightfully belonged to the first born.
Esau was so angry for losing what belonged to him – even to the point of being willing to kill his brother over the conflict.
Our Lesson?
I’m sure that someone has done you wrong before just as people have “wronged” me from time to time. Sometimes, I hastily react in anger.
Believe me, it didn’t help my situation!
Responding Instead of Reacting
Responding to a situation normally has more positive results than reacting.
The old “count to 10” standard still applies.
The next time you (we) are confronted with a reason to become angry, let’s first take a breath and see if the situation calls for full-blown anger.
In many cases you’ll find that it is not worth losing sleep over.
Prayer Can Help
Once we get over our first natural tendency to lash out – and recognize it, let’s pray for the guidance God can give, Ask Him if there are opportunities to consider instead of revenge.
Yes, if handled correctly, many problems can be turned into opportunities. That is, if we let God steer our decision making. He has the solution and is willing to help us thorough whatever we are facing.
Now, take a deep breath …
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like more information about the gift of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go now and read John 3:16.