Refusing Responsibility

Daily Old Testament Reading: Genesis 23-25

Daily Focus Passage: Genesis 25

The oldest child was responsible for becoming the primary heir and carrier of the family name in the Old Testament. This responsibility meant that the oldest child needed to live in a manner representing the family. Within the lineage of Abraham, this included living in a manner of morality and seeking righteousness as one pursued the Lord. In Genesis 25:29-34 we find that Isaac’s oldest son Esau sold his birthright to his younger brother Jacob. The Bible states that Esau did this because he “despised his birthright.” This attitude demonstrates his desire to refuse his responsibility as the eldest and live for the self instead.

REFUSING RESPONSIBILITY FEEDS SELFISHNESS

The Bible states that Jacob was preparing stew when Esau arrived from being in the field. Esau approach famished and desiring something to eat. Thus, he pleaded for food because he feared death from hunger. The reality comes that Esau allowed the fleshly desire of hunger to control his responsibility as the eldest. He let the selfishness of his hunger overcome his birthright, and as a result, he demonstrated that he elevated his desires and wants above his responsibilities.

Let us not be too difficult on Esau. We, too, can fall prey to the fleshly desires and wants to surround us. We fall prey to the American Dream of doing whatever it takes to meet the desires of the self. Thus, we often skirt our responsibilities because we seek to participate in something that seems to fulfill the desires and longings of the self. In our Christian walk, we receive the command and expectation to spend time with the Lord and to gather together in worship. Yet, we skirt the responsibilities because we desire alternative activities that we desire. Such moments reflect a refusal of our responsibilities as a child of God to gather with the saints and spend time with the Lord. What tempts you to refuse to fulfill your duties as a follower of Christ? 

REFUSING RESPONSIBILITY FORFEITS THE BLESSING

When Esau sold his birthright, he set the course to forfeit the blessing available to him. When we follow the story further, we find that Jacob, instead of Esau, received the blessing from Isaac. Esau desired the blessing and demanded that he be blessed as well. Esau sought the benefits of the blessing without faithfulness to his responsibilities. He wanted the security of his father’s blessing but refused to be faithful to his calling as the elder son.  

We continue to miss the blessings the Lord has in store for us today when we refuse our responsibility. The Lord seeks to bless us in various forms. He wants us to experience the presence of his strength, guidance, and assurance as we journey in faithfulness. He wants us to seek him as our Father and trust him to provide for us. Unfortunately, far too often, we become centered on our desires that we begin to refuse our responsibility and thus miss the blessings the Lord has in store for us as we follow and serve him. In what ways are you seeking the desires of the self and, as a result missing the blessings that the Lord has for you? 

REFUSING RESPONSIBILITY FLOWS FROM SIN

The author of Hebrews in chapter 12 challenges believers not to be like Esau, who practiced unholiness by selling his birthright for a single meal. The author identifies the moment of forfeiting the birthright as unholy. Thus, the act was driven by sin. The nature of the flesh promotes the serving of the self and tempts us to refuse to serve the Lord. Thus, when we fall prey to immorality, unholiness, and sin, we refuse our responsibility as a follower of Christ.

As a child of God, we must pursue holiness and seek to live more like Christ. When we recognize that sin promotes refusing our responsibility to our heavenly Father, we must repentance and pursue living out life in the responsibility we have been given. When you think about the activities and desires of your life, what controls you? Are you fulfilling your responsibility as a child of God, or are you refusing responsibility?