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Genesis-36

The Legislator: A Devotional Study on Genesis 36​

Introduction​

As we continue our devotional journey through the Scriptures, we come across a lesser-known chapter in Genesis that focuses on a significant individual. In Genesis 36, we encounter Esau, a man with a tumultuous story. As we delve into this narrative, we may learn much about ourselves, our spiritual journeys, and the Lord's activities in our lives.

Section 1: The Beginning of Esau's Story (Genesis 36:1-2)​

Devotional Thought: Esau was born a twin brother to Jacob, who we came across in previous chapters. Esau was the firstborn, but we discover that Jacob obtained Esau's blessing by deception. Esau's story begins with Jacob receiving the birthright, leaving Esau with a sense of grief and loss that would follow him throughout his life. This story reminds us of the importance of respecting familial relationships and the potential consequences that can follow deception.

Reflection Questions:

  • How have we respected familial relationships in our own lives?
  • Have we ever been deceived by others, causing us emotional loss?

Section 2: Esau's Marriages (Genesis 36:2-3)​

Devotional Thought: Esau married Hittite women, causing Jacob to become displeased with his brother's choice. Esau chose to follow his own heart when it came to marriage, a reminding us of the significance of our decisions in making choices regarding both our companion and our faith.

Reflection Questions:

  • How important is following our heart's desires when it comes to marriage?
  • In what ways have we followed our own hearts in making decisions regarding marriage and faith?

Section 3: Esau's Legacy (Genesis 36:4-8)​

Devotional Thought: Esau's legacy unfolded as he fathered many children, including Judah. The narrative attempts to paint a picture of the contrasting personalities between Esau and Jacob. Esau was a skillful hunter, and Jacob excelled in business. Esau's legacy reminds us that our abilities and skills can contribute to our spiritual influence.

Reflection Questions:

  • How have our abilities and skills impacted our spiritual influence?
  • What spiritual influence do we want to leave behind?

Section 4: Esau's Twisted Blessing (Genesis 36:9)​

Devotional Thought: Esau's birthright was usurped by Jacob, yet Esau still felt a sense of entitlement over his father's blessing. Esau thought that his father's blessing could be bought with a meal, a mistaken belief that shows us humans' tendency to cling onto what we think we deserve.

Reflection Questions:

  • Have we ever thought that our blessings were deserved instead of a gift?
  • How can we restore an understanding that all blessings come from the Lord and are a gift from Him?

Section 5: Esau's Family Levi (Genesis 36:10-19)​

Devotional Thought: Esau's family Levi played a significant role in Jacob's terror. Esau's grandson, Levi, had two sons, men who served as Jacob's bodyguards. The story highlights the Lord's mysterious ways, encouraging us to trust God's activities in each generation.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does the Lord utilize each generation in His plans?
  • Have we found the Lord's mysterious ways in our lives?

Section 6: Esau's Family Matred (Genesis 36:16-19)​

Devotional Thought: Esau's family Matred inherited Canaan. The name Matred reflects the meaning "gift," encouraging us to approach our inheritance as a gift in the Lord's plan instead of as earned by any right.

Reflection Questions:

  • Have we viewed our inheritance primarily as earned or as a gift?
  • How can we find the Lord's gift in our inheritance?

Conclusion:​

Esau's story is a reminder to us that every generation has unique paths. Our personal stories and life journeys serve as testimonies to God's activity in our lives. We strive to honor God's legacy over our own desires and see our personal story as a gift from Him. May we continue to appreciate our stories and seek to honor the divine blessings and plans throughout our spiritual journeys.