Esau did not know God at all

Why do you say so?

Take for instance his response when he realized his brother had taken the blessing of his father instead of him Gen 27:36  Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times. He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing.” Then he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?”

What’s wrong with the response? How does it show he is ungodly? No one is ever happy to be cheated….

But don’t you see his language? He blames Jacob not himself. In Esau’s eyes Jacob is the villain who takes advantage of him twice. That’s not God’s perspective. Gen 25:32, 34  Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?”  Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.   As far as heaven is concerned the blame falls squarely on Esau. Tragically he doesn’t see it that way. He doesn’t know God.

He sought repentance but couldn’t find it, he must have felt remorse. Heb 12:17(ESV)  For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. 

See repentance is far more than remorse. Everyone who finds repentance accepts the blame for their mishap. They don’t pass the buck on the government or marauders. The thief on the cross didn’t blame the cruel Roman Empire but himself Lk 23:40-42 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Still, you can’t say categorically he doesn’t know God simply because he didn’t repent

Ah. Where in the Bible did you ever read Esau called on God for good or bad? Where did Esau pray, or seek God before anything? Did he ever hear from God? Did he at any time attribute his wealth or distress to God? If you see such a place in the scripture, tell me. I have searched and not seen.  When Jaco met him and said “Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” Gen 33:11  Did Esau talk about God? He just cut the conversation and said “Let’s go”.…

Look the Bible isn’t telling the story of Esau but of Israel. There are many things done the Bible doesn’t mention. Let us not argue where the scripture is silent on a matter. He may well have prayed and it was unrecorded.

I agree there were many things unrecorded in the Bible accounts. But even Laban the Aramaen has recorded encounters with God. Gen 31:29  It is in my power to do you harm. But the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ I know Esau didn’t know God because that is God’s summary of him Heb12:16(ERV) Be careful that no one commits sexual sin. And be careful that no one is like Esau and never thinks about God. As the oldest son, Esau would have inherited everything from his father. But he sold all that for a single meal. In fact another translation uses the word godless for him. No one should be immoral or godless like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. You may go to church, experience blessings by God, but do you know Him personally? Do you blame others for your own wrong doings?

The goal for 2024

 

Zechariah 6:8 ESV

Then he cried to me, “Behold, those who go toward the north country have set my Spirit at rest in the north country.”

There are purposes of God to be fulfilled in 2024. And each of us under God has specified assignments from heaven in this year.  We must recognise that.  Not anybody is supposed to do anything.  The purpose of this message is “O God I must put your spirit at rest wherever I go in 2024 in Jesus's mighty name “.

When Absalom died there was a task of delivering the message properly and effectively to him. 2 Samuel 18:19-21 ESV Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me run and carry news to the king that the Lord has delivered him from the hand of his enemies.”  And Joab said to him, “You are not to carry news today. You may carry news another day, but today you shall carry no news, because the king’s son is dead.”  Then Joab said to the Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed before Joab, and ran.

Now Ahimaaz has zeal, has pedigree (he is the son of the high priest), plus a track record, a reputation for success, for courage. He is the one who with Jonathan risked death to bring a lifesaving message to David when Ahithophel’s counsel could have led to his death.  But he zealously errs here wanting to be the one to run. The one to bring the news of success.  And by the permissive will of his commander he actually does run, and outruns the man with the assignment.  But what is the result? He was unable to deliver. David is unmoved. In fact, he was asked to stand and wait for the proper man. No reward for him. Did you hear that? 2Sa 18:22  Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, “Come what may, let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why will you run, my son, seeing that you will have no reward for the news?” When the proper man delivers the message and does it in full leaving nothing out, he brings the king to tears. Have you a track record of success in previous years? Do you have a good pedigree? Find out for sure what assignment you have and don't fight aimlessly. Call to Him He will show you Jas1:5. Those working by permissive will cannot do the work thoroughly.  They do some part but the hard unpleasant unpopular parts will get missed out.

Now I want us to understand that the fact that we have been handpicked by God above others for these assignments does not mean we have already succeeded.  No.

David handpicked a valiant soldier to crush an insurrection.  In fact, he handpicked him to replace Joab 2 Samuel 19:13 ESV And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me and more also, if you are not commander of my army from now on in place of Joab.’”

That was a great honour.  Now he gave him a specific assignment 2 Samuel 20:4-6 ESV Then the king said to Amasa, “Call the men of Judah together to me within three days, and be here yourself.”  So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he delayed beyond the set time that had been appointed him.  And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he get himself to fortified cities and escape from us.”

The assignment was specific and time bound.  We also have specific and time bound assignments in this year.  But you notice that David's spirit was not put at rest by his chosen soldier because he delayed beyond the set time. Say to yourself I shall not delay any assignment given me by God this year.  Now the business of the kingdom must be accomplished.  It mustn't suffer loss. It cannot.  Understand if God is not at rest, you can be replaced.  I will show you 2 scriptural precedents, one each from old and New Testament Esther 4:14 ESV For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time?

Acts 1:20 ERV Peter said, “In the book of Psalms, this is written about Judas: ‘People should not go near his land; no one should live there.’ Psalm 69:25 And it is also written: ‘Let another man have his work.’ Psalm 109:8

Your place, your house, may be vacant but your assignment must be completed, if necessary by others. Amasa died when he could not put David at rest even though that wasn't David's intention.  Esther was warned she and her father's house would perish.

So how do we set God’s spirit at rest.  Is it simply by zeal?  We have seen in Ahimaaz that the answer is no.

Zechariah 6:5 ESV: And the angel answered and said to me, “These are going out to the four winds of heaven, after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth “

Present yourself before God.  Come privately, come corporately and deliberately consciously tell God I present myself to you now. Today.  Every day. This year. As an instrument of righteousness, a living sacrifice, a slave of holiness. 

As we do so let all pride be washed off. All the ashes of yesterday's service be removed, all the strategies that have served their divine purposes but have now expired be expunged in Jesus's mighty name. 

As you present yourself receive divine direction and Rhema. That word which becomes alive in you which is the word come too you transforms you.  As you present yourself ask and receive God’s pattern as Moses did when he presented himself at the mount, as Paul when he went into Arabia and presented himself. Gal 1:15-17  But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. When that word comes you are fully assured God has spoken. Faith from the Word of God builds convictions which drives our persuasions and reflected in our actions to the extent that our faith is not dead. Convictions about What to do where to do how to do who to do with as when Ahab received for assignment. Convictions about conduct and lifestyle also. Present yourself to God at the end of each assignment. Jesus Christ did so in Jn 17 at the end of His earthly ministry and on the cross. Present also a detailed report to the church which is what Paul and the apostles did

Present yourself and receive the abundant supply of the Spirit of Christ Zechariah 4:6 ESV Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

Human zeal can mislead and fall short, but by His Spirit we will set God's heart at rest wherever we go this year.  In the chapel, in our families, in our business.  When our families succeed the chapel succeeds, when our businesses succeed the chapel succeeds. If our families fail the chapel fails.

Zec 6:15  And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.

Let us pray.

 

Welcome to your new life together

Despite the degeneration of this age, which is really not new, the eternal word from God doesn't change.

Jn 15:1-2  'I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman;  15:2  every branch in me not bearing fruit, He doth take it away, and every one bearing fruit, He doth cleanse by pruning it, that it may bear more fruit

The husbandman here has a target for the vine, specific plans for interacting with the vine. Whilst it is true the woman was created for the man there are clear expectations, clear plans of heaven for the man to fulfil towards her. Brother, serve as a husbandman in the life of your bride. A cultivator, a gardener, taking care to dress her well. Focus on that. You may say to me this Jn15:1 is not a marriage relationship well listen to Eph 5:28-29 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church

A husbandman nourishes and cherishes the vine. Pruning here doesn’t mean beat her. Not at all, but use your veto power where she enters into unfruitful pursuits so as to cut them off from her. Nothing ever permits or encourages wife abuse or beating in scripture.

 

There are virtues and capabilities in ministry tucked by God into her. Some appear undeveloped, and rudimentary, some might not even be noticed now because they are latent. Cultivate her under God to bring them out, fan them into flame and polish her until they are in full bloom such that everywhere she goes and every one that she meets experiences them, even when such a meeting is for a short period of time.

 

You both read Eph 5:21-33. I believe the order in which things are written there is the order of priority for the man. Putting your wife's needs ahead of yours. Take note that this care is not in response to perceived submission by the wife to her husband. No, this care is in perceived imitation of Christ. As long as you are an imitator of Christ, irrespective of the levels of love and submission you perceive in her, love her! Bring her to bloom. Let there never be a time food is lacking in the home and you go privately to eat outside and expect her to fend for herself. Some men say "I gave you enough money if you have squandered it look to the rest of the week. I'm off to eat. When the week is over come for more money". Not you. That's the purpose God has brought you together.

 

She isn't your competitor in ministry of finance or anything. On the contrary praise and glory come to you as a result of her exploits. Prov31:23 Her husband is a man of note in the public place, when he takes his seat among the responsible men of the land.

(ERV)  Her husband is a respected member of the city council, where he meets with the other leaders.

Di ya bụ onye a na-asọpụrụ nʼọnụ ụzọ ama obodo ebe ọ na-ewere ọnọdụ nʼetiti ndị okenye nke ala ahụ.

 

Now daughter Eph5:22 starts with the woman. What are her own priorities? Prov 31:10-16  An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

Many feminists believe marriage is a distraction from achieving the full potential of the woman. Not so the Bible. Your husband must come before your household, before the children and other members of the house. Who told you men were created to suffer? Who? And it must never be in his own house. Never take the counsel of those who encourage you to starve your husband of sex so as to punish him and control him. Be generous with your body to him.

Your husband must come first, then the children and cousins e.t.c. staying with you, lastly the job. When our priorities are in order, we see the graces and provisions heaven has placed to make us all we must be in life, church and society. A woman was offered an all-expense paid trip outside Nigeria to pioneer a work in her profession. She turned it down so as to look after her husband. Some felt at that time she was making a mistake. No, she wasn't. I know of a sister, a medical doctor who focused on her family first and when they had come up pressed on to pursue professorship

 

It has been said "If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together"

Go together into all of God's purposes for you in church, in academics, in profession and in society. None of these and all of these are not as important as your union as man and wife.

Break up your fallow ground

Jer 4:3  For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: "Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.

These words were spoken by the prophet Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah (who had been the high priest in the days of King Josiah). Israel at that time was and still is an agricultural community. The term fallow round was one they could readily understand. Who among us here does gardening or farming? Have you left the garden or farm alone and unattended to for at least a farming season? That's fallow ground.

Jer 4:3  ISV

 For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, "Break up your unplowed ground, and don't sow among thorns.

What message is God passing to them, and to us? Indeed what message is God giving me? Jer 4:1-4  "Israel, if you return to me," declares the LORD, "Return to me, remove your detestable idols from my presence, and don't waver. If you swear, 'as surely as the LORD lives,' in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then nations will be blessed by him, and in him they will boast." For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, "Break up your unplowed ground, and don't sow among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the LORD and remove the foreskin of your heart, you men of Judah and residents of Jerusalem, or else my wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to put it out, because of your evil deeds." 

God is asking me to return to Him and by fallow ground He is asking me to return to things I have neglected. Lk 9:61  Yet another said, "I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

Plowing here refers to discipleship.

Rev 2:5  Therefore, remember how far you have fallen. Repent and go back to what you were doing at first. If you don't, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place—unless you repent.

By unplowed ground it includes things I had never done I am supposed to do.

What is your fallow ground? Notice there it is not our fallow ground but your fallow ground. Mt13:38 the field is the world. Are there areas of my world I have neglected in the harvest? My world consists in my family, my neighbourhood, business environment and region of activity.

Fallow ground is hard ground not soft easy ground. Think of a group of people reaching with the gospel is going to be tough but they are in your sphere of activity. To me the Muslims, prostitutes represent my fallow ground here. A people I can't just start sowing in but need to break up the round with. Form relationships with first. In saline process we recognise cultivating is the largest and most difficult aspect of getting people to come nearer Jesus. And is needed for those who have little regard for Bible. Atheists, agnostics, free thinkers, those adherents of other faiths. Breaking up fallow round is part , indeed the first part of cultivating

Ask your neighbour "Where is your own fallow round?" Which area is hard that needs attention? 1Ti 4:14  Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy when the elders laid their hands on you. 

Let's read that together.

Is there a gift you've been neglecting? Perhaps when you manifested it there was a misunderstanding between you and the leadership or it's not a popular and sweet part. Kenneth Hagin shared he loved teaching and neglected the prophetic and God rebuked him for it. Indeed he had an elbow injury which never fully healed to remind him.

What area of service has God called me has God called us into that we have left off for a while? Look into your neighbour's eyes and say "Break up your fallow ground!"

What area of your marriage has been neglected? How about the one on one times with your spouse with the children? Pro 13:23  Unused fields could yield plenty of food for the poor, but unjust people keep them from being farmed. Is my fallow round some service to the poor? Fallow ground is a potential provision for the poor.

How do you break the ice? The word of God spoken into an area breaks it up Jer 23:29  Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? In prayer, training, speaking to it in the spirit. Begin to pray deliberately about that service, that people group that gift, and seek training on how to express it better, then wait for the right opportunity and courageously use each one.

Let us pray

Faulty foundations

“Is it right for a Christian to pay money to someone to get a job?”

What do you mean by that? Interview fees are quite normal and you get a receipt for that... why are you looking so uncomfortable? Tell me what’s going on.

“Actually I missed the job last year since I didn’t settle and the price has doubled.”

Doubled? In this institution? Doubled? The last time I checked the interview fees were slashed to very affordable rates. You are still not meeting my eyes. Talk to me.

“Actually the money is not for any interview. Last year I turned down an offer to be someone’s candidate for the job. The people who coughed out N0.5M have it. Now it’s being offered at N1M. The interview is a farce, everyone knows that. Pay and get the job. I’m tired of sitting at home and taking handouts. I didn’t spend 6 years in university and 2 years after to pick crumbs. If this is the new way to get jobs and everyone is doing it...”

Stop! Please stop this. This reasoning is evil and warped. Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think Rom 12:2 (CEV). Does the money go to the government or to a private individual? Is he or she not abusing the office to corruptly enrich the pocket and make merchandise of you and you condone it? You tolerate anyone who makes you his slaves, devours what you have, takes what is yours, orders you around, or slaps your face! 2Cor 11:20(ISV)  Haba. You should be reporting this and not be a partaker of iniquity. Definitely unmistakeably ungodly behaviour.

“Report to whom? You don’t live on this planet! I have researched and found if you need a job you pay. It was 3 months’ salary before, now the price is up. And if you are a babe automatically you are the girlfriend if you can’t cough up the dough. Report to who? Will you give me a job, will you?”

If I were you, I would turn to God and present my case to him Job 5:8 (GNB). Please return to God. Your speech makes me wonder if you have forgotten you were cleansed from sin before. If you do this know it is a faulty foundation you lay throughout the duration of the job.

“I am tired, I need to fend for myself. That’s God’s will for me, not this. ”

Of course you need to. But you must be strong and prove to the principalities your commitment to Jesus no matter the outcome. Take no part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure1Tm 5:22(GNB).You are desperate now, and it is putting pressure on you. Relax in Him. Whatever happened to the man of faith you proved to be on campus?

“My dear in those days when I push something happens. Now I just wonder.”

Don’t wander now. The stakes are higher, and you must not be as the seed on stony ground falling away because of persecution and trouble. Your majesty, if it be his will, our God whom we serve can deliver us from the blazing fire furnace, and he will deliver us from you. But if not, rest assured, your majesty, that we won't serve your gods... Dan 3:17, 18(ISV).