January 13th

Genesis 36:1-19


1 Chronicles 1:35-37

Genesis 36:20-30


1 Chronicles 1:38-42

Genesis 36:31-43


1 Chronicles 1:43-2:2

We were entertained by the detailed genealogy recorded in Genesis 36. Be honest, after trying to pronounce the first few names, you skipped over quite a bit, maybe even to the end, right? That’s okay. I don’t blame you!

However, it’s passages like these in which some important lesson is usually lurking, and this chapter is no exception. Did you catch it? Probably not. My guess is that you can’t wait for tomorrow’s reading, because it can’t be as big of a yawner as today’s reading. Not so fast! Let’s see if we can make the most of what we’ve got today.

We know that Esau’s descendants became the nation of Edom (v.8). The Edomites lived to the south of what would later be Israel. Eventually, they will come into conflict with the Israelites. Though they were prosperous, the Edomites were nothing compared to God’s chosen nation. In fact, Edom would exist in the shadow of Israel, always subservient to it, but what does that have to do with today’s passage?

Esau’s troubles started early in life, when “he took wives from the daughters of Canaan” (v.2). It is a true statement, but rarely believed by young people, that the first few years after leaving home chart their course for years to come. Decisions made then either make or break them — the friends they choose, the jobs they pursue, the person they marry, the place they live, their commitment to God, their habits or vices, etc. Those choices can set them on a path of misery and suffering or on a path of godliness and blessing. So often young people make foolish decisions early in life and spend the rest of it dealing with the consequences.

Daily Reflection

Esau made some terrible choices. He sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. He chose wives from the pagan peoples of the world; and, he moved away from God’s best. He left his father and went to another land, away from his brother Jacob (v.6). Be mindful of your future path by watching the steps that you take today.

Are there any consequences you are dealing with today from poor decisions that you made early in life? What are they?

What decisions, if any, have you made that have led you closer to God’s best for you?

The older you get, the more you should think of the long-term effects of your decisions. Who are the young people in your life that you could help by guiding them in making good choices?

“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires” (Psalm 37:4).