Do not defy God?s word

Falling short of the grace of God

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

Hebrews 12:15-17 (NASB)

Hebrews 12:15 warns us not `fall short` of God?s grace. This echo?s the warning given in Hebrews 4:1 not to fall short of God?s rest. This is a serious warning.

If you read the account of Moses? warning to the children of Israel (Deut 29:1-19), especially verse 18-20. You will observe the same warning against `bitterness springing up within`.

When we knowingly and continuously walk in disobedience to God?s will, we inevitably deny ?God?s grace the effectiveness it should have in our lives?. This is an extremely serious matter. For without God?s grace we fall prey to the wiles of the evil one.

The more we fall to his evil pranks, the more we will become bitter against the ?seemingly absence of God in our time of need?, oblivious to the fact that our own stance is the architect of our own exposure to the evil ones fury and God?s uncooperativeness.

The writer of Hebrews uses Esau to illustrate this point. Esau is described as an immoral or godless person (Hebrews 12:16). He committed fornication with the world. He was profane - having no respect for the things of God. Read his account in Genesis 25:20-34.

Having sold his eternal rewards for worldly and momentarily pleasures, he found no room for repentance, only regrets, and that was when it was too late! Read the full account in Genesis 27. You will understand the comments in Hebrews 12:17 by comparing it with Genesis 27:33-36.

Esau lost his birthright because he did not appreciate it and only realised the weight of his error when it was too late.

Ultimately our birthright is to reign with Him forever (2 Timothy 2:12-13). We avoid fornicating with the world by living a life that brings glory to God; fellowshipping with our creator; and fulfilling His call on our lives.

How serious are the consequences of neglecting our birthright only God can tell. He has however left us with some strong hints (1 Corinthians 3:10-16).

Esau lived a decent life on earth (Genesis 33:1-17) but still lost his inheritance. It is a picture of his loss that no one can identify his descendants today. Jacob (Israel) is still with us. This is a testimony to the blessings Esau lost. Will you have an inheritance when you meet the Lord?

Your conduct on earth will determine your inheritance in heaven.