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The story of Esau and Jacob did not exemplify the Biblical counsel
that states, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together
in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). Their story is one of conflict, deception,
and intrigue. The twin boys of Isaac and Rebekah began their conflict from
the start of life continuing through adulthood. It appeared as if it would
never be diffused in favor of unity and peace. It would take time, distance,
and God before there would ever be tranquility in their relationship.
Conflicts are inevitable. They may be insignificant with a mild
disagreement or become wild disagreements that lead to significant hurt and
pain. The sermon will contain a description of conflict as an “emotional
collision. It is stress caused by incompatible desires or demands. It is what
occurs when we have two or more impulses in competition with one another.
The stronger the impulse, the greater the tension. The greater the tension,
the louder the collision.” (Swindoll, Day by Day). As we strive to understand
how to resolve conflict, we must understand why it develops. This passage
helps us grasp some of the reasons why conflict arises within families, work
relations, or church people.
Esau and Jacob are classic examples of people in conflict. Some
reasons conflicts arise as pointed out in this scripture:
1. Pride.
2. Self-importance.
3. Inappropriate feelings.
4. Deceptiveness.
5. Interference of others.
6. Power struggles.
7. Grumbling.
8. Attitude of feuding.
9. Taking advantage of another.
10. Selfish ambition.
How to change conflict into a harmonious relationship is what
we need. If we are to live at peace with spouse, children, co-workers, church
members, or neighbors we need to take a serious look at our own selves. Analyzing
the conflict that may have taken on serious consequences will help us heal
the situation.
There are no quick solutions to complex conflicts or the issues
behind the conflicts. As Christians we must strive to live at peace with everyone,
as much as possible. It may not always happen, for there will be people who
will not allow us to live at peace with them. Our goal is to attempt to live
at peace with them. We need the power of Christ, the wisdom of the Word, and
the soothing company of the Holy Spirit to live in harmony and peace with
all people. If you subtract the equation above, it can lead to tragic collisions
that may be irreparable for the rest of life.
Conflicts must be bathed in prayer and as Swindoll writes, “Prayer
may not stop the collision, but, like seat belts, it sure can protect us from
serious damage.” (Day by Day, p. 269).
As you and your congregation listen to this passage, what is
it saying for your specific needs today? As a congregation of peace, how can
the people give practical help to people in conflict? As a pastor of people
in need of harmony what is your own specific action plan for helping people
find peaceful solutions to their conflicts?
Chapter 25:19-34 epitomizes the conflicts that surround Jacob’s
life. Summarily there is an underlying conflict everywhere including:
1. Isaac and Rebekah and their relationship with their two boys.
They have taken favorites and demonstrate it openly.
2. Jacob and Esau, which breaks out explicitly in chapter 27.
3. Jacob and Uncle Laban have a festering conflict in chapters
29—30.
4. Jacob’s two wives, Rachel and Leah, have an ongoing
conflict.
Conflict will continue, and the truth is that there will be
no resolution, no happy ending, for no one really dealt with the issues. Chapter
34 is a revelation of lust and revenge and demonstrates Jacob’s sons
as unrepentant and vindictive in a horrible story of conflict. Naturally,
as you read the continuing saga of Jacob and his sons, it is filled with conflict
as well.
But the specific scripture for today is that of Jacob and Esau
and the selling of the birthright. The birthright “involved the headship
of a sizeable clan and what was for the time a not inconsiderable inheritance,
of which the first-born was entitled a double share (see Deut. 21:17).”#1
Esau was selling for a pot of porridge his gloriously expected
future with all the divine promises that was an integral part of the clan.
The birthright guaranteed that the person would be chief and held the hope
of future generations in his hand. When Esau sold his right, there was a lot
more at stake than just money and land. Jacob was clever enough to make this
selling of the birthright binding by making Esau swear an oath making it a
divine authority ratifying the act. When he had time to reflect on his action,
Esau’s anger boiled inside and he was ready to kill his brother who he
felt took advantage of him.
Several of the commentaries indicate that the selling of a birthright
was not an isolated case. Clay tablets that were discovered in the northeast
city of Nuzi in the late 1920s shed light on the patriarchal period and record
a purchase price for a birthright of three sheep. So Esau was not alone in
his stupidity.
(For the full manuscript
of this sermon go to www.preachermagazine.org and click on “Sermons”)
Sitting in the pews this Sunday will be people who are experiencing
various conflicts. The truth is that some individuals will have a number of
conflicts brewing in their lives all at once. The Christian is no different
in this problem than their counterpart in the world. Personalities, expectations,
and misunderstandings will all lend themselves to conflict between people.
What is expected to be different between the Christian and the person in the
world is how he/she deals with that conflict. As pastor you must challenge
the congregation to think, act, and react to the various components of conflict.
You will need to encourage the people to . . .
Reach out in love
Have an attitude adjustment
Get to the bottom of the reason the conflict has arisen and
continues
Be ready to say, “I’m sorry” when necessary
Pray and allow the Holy Spirit to help in the situation
Be willing to humble self to diffuse the conflict
Be positive that the conflict can be resolved
Take steps to deal with the conflict by allowing someone to
intervene if required
Our world does not do well when it comes to conflict because
it is dealt with in a negative way. I believe God expects Christians to deal
with it differently, and I think it breaks God’s heart to see church
people act like the worldly minded in dealing with conflict. As you preach
this message, help the parishioners understand that their job is not to avoid
conflict, but to manage conflict with Christ’s help.
1. John Gibson, The Daily Study Bible Series—Genesis Volume 2
(Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1982), 141.