Before Time Began

Genesis 25:23
“The older shall serve the younger.”

In a world that is confused and anxious, full of information we do need, and endless reasons to fear, Genesis 25 reminds us of a deeper and more foundational truth: God is sovereign, and His purposes stand.

Before Jacob and Esau were born (before time began), before they had done anything good or bad, God made a choice. Not based on effort, not based on worthiness, but based on His mercy. As Paul later explains in Romans 9, this was so that God’s purpose in election might continue and that not by works, but by Him who calls.

This truth should humble us. It reminds us that our salvation is not something we achieve, but something we receive. If we belong to Christ, it is because God, in His grace, has set His love upon us. But Genesis 25 also gives us a warning. Esau, though born into privilege, treated his birthright as worthless. In a moment of hunger, he traded something he thought was eternal for something temporary. Scripture tells us plainly: “Thus Esau despised his birthright.”

The question for us is not simply theological, but personal: What do we value? Do we treasure Christ and His promises, or are we easily drawn to what is immediate and fleeting? In a culture that constantly pulls our attention to temporary concerns, we are called to set our eyes on Jesus. Our security is not found in our circumstances, but in God’s electing grace.

So hold fast to Christ. Treasure the gospel. And whatever you do, don’t give up your birthright for a bowl of soup.