Jan 29 – A Deceitful Heart!

“So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, ‘The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.’” (Genesis 27:41)

One reason Esau failed in his spiritual journey was that he allowed bitterness, resentment, and a desire for revenge to take root in his heart. A deceitful heart destroys spiritual sensitivity.

Our Lord Jesus warns us clearly: “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23–24)

And the Scripture further cautions us: “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.” (Hebrews 12:15–16)

Although Esau despised the things of God, the Lord still showed long patience toward him and his descendants. The Lord even commanded Israel: “Do not abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother” (Deuteronomy 23:7).

Yet the Edomites hardened their hearts. When Israel sought passage through Edom on their way to Canaan, the Edomites replied: “You shall not pass through my land, lest I come out against you with the sword.” (Numbers 20:18)

Later, when we look at King Herod’s lineage, we find that his father was an Edomite—descendant of Esau. Herod, upon hearing of Jesus’ birth, murdered all male children two years old and under, within his territory (Matthew 2:16). He also killed James, the disciple of Jesus, with the sword. Until his last breath, Herod set himself against the work of God (Acts 12:1–2).

The Lord’s severe judgment finally came over Esau’s descendants. They never turned back to God—no repentance, no remorse. Eventually, the Lord wiped out Esau’s lineage entirely. Today, there is no trace of Esau’s descendants on earth.

Dear child of God, if there is anything in your heart that resembles such bitterness, resentment, or hidden deceit, repent today. Come to the Lord, and enter this new year with a new and clean heart.

Verse for further meditation: “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)