Latent Hatred

Normally a lot of people skip Genesis 36. Essentially it is the genealogy of Esau's descendants. Esau, if you remember, was Jacob's brother. Esau was not the chosen son, and when he got cheated out of the blessing of his father Isaac by Jacob, Esau wanted revenge. That's why Jacob went to find a wife in a country far far away.

When Jacob returned to the land of Canaan he did so in the very real fear that Esau's promise that he would kill Jacob would come to pass. It didn't, though Jacob avoided living near Esau and only saw him at their dad's funeral.

So you might conclude that the feud was over. You'd be wrong.

One of the reasons why Esau's descendants are mentioned in Genesis 36 is that they later form the Edomites and the Amalekites. These two people's were ruthless against Israel and caused them no end of grief.

So why is that important to us? We too have an enemy, Lucifer, who hates anyone who loves God. Don't be fooled into thinking that just because it seems the enemy's temptations and attacks have ceased that he has forgotten about you. He hasn't. Like a descendant of Esau, he is just waiting for a chance to trip you up.

That's why Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8-11:

"Be sober-minded;  be watchful. Your  adversary the devil  prowls around  like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9  Resist him,  firm in your faith, knowing that  the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And  after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace,  who has called you to his  eternal glory in Christ, will himself  restore, confirm, strengthen, and  establish you. 11  To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen." ESV





The word isn't to be afraid, to watch under every rock and around every corner, but to resist temptation and cling to God..

James 4:7 Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.


Pastor Tom