Simply the Bible Blog

“Now this is the genealogy of Esau, who is Edom.”

Genesis 36:1 (NKJV)

Genealogies can be boring to read, but they give us the record or fingerprint of a people. We can see how people become who they are. So much depends upon their parentage and upbringing.

Genesis 36 is the record of Esau’s descendants. They were known as the Edomites. When it came to the things of the world, they were ahead of Jacob’s descendants, the Israelites. The Edomites had many kings while the Israelites were still shepherds and later slaves. But the Edomites, like their forefather Esau, were children of the flesh.

If we are faithful to God…if we seek to walk in the Spirit and raise our children in the way of the Lord, it may seem that others are getting ahead of us. They may appear to make more money, have better jobs, live in a better neighborhood, or be more popular.

The psalmist Asaph nearly stumbled in his faith when he saw the prosperity of the wicked.

“They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!”

Psalm 73:4–7 (NLT)

But then Asaph entered the LORD’s house and came to his senses.

“Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.”

Psalm 73:17–19 (NLT)

You see, God rewards those who trust in Him and who keep His commandments in ways that cannot always be quantified in this life. Jacob’s descendant was Jesus Christ, and He said to His followers:

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Luke 12:32 (NKJV)

Would you rather belong to the family of worldlings and inherit destruction or the family of God and inherit the kingdom?

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