A Bowl of Lentil Stew

One afternoon, Jacob was cooking a red lentil stew. It bubbled softly over the fire, and its warm, delicious smell drifted through the camp.

Just then, Esau returned to the camp tired and hungry. His steps were slow, his shoulders drooped, and all he could think about was food. When he saw the steaming pot, he hurried toward his brother.

“Jacob, please give me some of that red stew. I am very hungry.”

Jacob thought about Esau’s birthright. Instead of simply sharing the food, he answered, “First, promise me your birthright.”

This was not a kind or fair bargain. Jacob should not have used his brother’s hunger to get something precious. And Esau needed to stop, think, and remember how valuable his responsibility was.

But Esau was focused only on how hungry he felt at that moment. He did not think carefully about tomorrow. “I promise. You may have my birthright.”

Jacob gave Esau bread and a bowl of stew. Esau ate until he was full, then stood up and went away. The hunger soon passed, but the promise he had made remained.

Both brothers had made unwise choices. Jacob had not treated his brother fairly, and Esau had treated a lasting gift as though it did not matter.

God wants us to value the gifts and responsibilities He gives us. When we feel hungry, angry, tired, or impatient, we can pause and ask for help before making an important choice. We can also choose kindness instead of taking advantage of someone who is struggling.

God did not abandon Jacob or Esau. He would continue teaching both brothers through many adventures, because their story was not over.