Trading an inheritance for a bowl of stew
The Old Testament is a tool for spiritual transformation. The story of Jacob and Esau can be especially useful for spiritual instruction when illuminated by the New Testament. The life of Christ and the teachings of the Apostles bring to light its spiritual wealth for the Christian. The spiritual inheritance that Christ secured for mankind is beyond human imagination, a Pearl of Great Price. Unfortunately, the carnal nature despises this treasure, holding onto the comfort of the material and the immediate. As Esau, the carnal man trades his inheritance for a bowl of temporal fulfillment.
The spiritual inheritance of the Christian is none other than Christlikeness. Because of Jesus Christ, we can partake of the Divine Nature (2 Peter 1:4) and thus share in His glory at the consummation of all things. Christ wore our humanity in perfect harmony with the Divine Essence. He is himself God, and we illuminate with His Light.
The glorious riches of Christ are not enough for the stubborn-hearted man. With the treasure of the very nature of God offered to him, he despises this gift of God. With the cup of Perfect Love before him, he turn up his nose in disgust. The carnal man returns to his vomit before receiving the blood of Christ. But the precious life-giving drink remains for all who will come.
As the prodigal son who comes to his senses, the Christian realises he squandered his Father’s inheritance and returns, hoping to even gaze upon the banquet from a distance. From afar, the Father is waiting, hoping he will be found on the horizon. When the lost son is barely within His sights, he runs to Him and throws upon his shoulders a cloak of Righteousness.
Though carnal man misuses his Divine inheritance, the Father continually watches for his return to paradise, communion with God and peace with men. His birthright of free choice he has wasted on the satisfaction of his own kingdom, but the possibility of spiritual awakening remains. He can unite again with the Divine nature, and live in the mansion prepared for the Sons of God.
Joshua Ben Nun 