S. O. A. P.

Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!

S-cripture:

Genesis 36:2a

Esau took his wives from the women of Canaan.

O-bservation:

This is a fact. Esau, a Jew, married women of Canaanite descent. The Canaanites were better known to many as Philistines. These Philistines were always a nemesis to the Israelites. Perhaps you could argue that Esau didn’t know he wasn’t supposed to; however, one of the reasons their father Isaac got Esau’s twin brother Jacob out of there was for Jacob to find a woman of his own family background. Why? Because “It Matters Who You Marry!”

A-pplication:

The Edomites came from Esau’s clan. They are better known as the nation of Jordon today. Jordon is usually more sympathetic to Israel than many other Muslim nations. Of course, that would be because each nation descended from twin brothers. Yet, according to Malachi 1:1-5, God rejected the Edomites and accepted the Israelites. The fact that Esau would marry Philistine women is an indicator of his respect for his parent’s faith. My wife used to always say to my sons, “Make sure you don’t date Philistine girls.” What she was saying was marry someone from within your own faith and family tradition. Marriage is hard enough without marrying someone from an opposite point of view concerning faith. Fortunately, my sons listened to their mother and married incredible women of God. That seems to have made no difference to Esau at all. He did what he wanted and squandered his first-born status as well. I’m telling you, “It Matters Who You Marry!”

P-rayer:

Dear Jesus,

Thank You that the only sex advice my father ever gave me was, “Son, marry a Christian girl with great parents. Because you marry a family.” Best advice ever. My sons did the same as their dad. We’re blessed by the women who were willing to have us. Amen