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Multi-cultural societies are challenged to honor one’s own cultural norms, one’s own religious
demands, while at the same time honoring the differences of people with other norms and demands.
The tenets of our faith may not be naturally harmonious. There are bounds to our acceptance of others
– no matter how inclusive we may be. There are times when we are hard pressed to continue to share
living space; however, we press on. What else can we do but acknowledge our common humanity?
We are living out a modern drama that parallels the Biblical saga of Esau and Jacob. We are
beginning to appreciate the concepts of birthright and blessing.
Those of us who belong to majority religions and groups are like Esau; we have enjoyed a
birthright. Esau lived with a sense of entitlement. As the eldest son, he was to receive two-thirds of the
family estate. His brother, Jacob, understood the pecking order. Esau would be in control. Esau,
because of his birthright, was the beneficiary of power and privilege.
The day arrived, however, when Esau lost his birthright. He actually handed it over to his
brother in a moment that seemed prudent to do so. Recall that one day Esau, a hunter, came in from his
hunt empty-handed. He was famished. He needed to eat. On that day, Jacob had food. A shepherd,
Jacob had a ready supply of meat.
When Esau arrived at their home depleted, Jacob shared a savory stew with his brother in
exchange for the birthright. In that moment, Esau thought the menu before him was a better choice than
his birthright. He could not ingest his birthright. He needed food. And he let go of that which his family
was certain would sustain him for all his days – his inheritance.
Esau did not grieve the loss of his birthright. He had a fall-back plan. He knew that, as the
first-born son, he would receive his father’s blessing. Isaac, his father, would ask God to bless his son
with a life of prosperity. The blessing was an extraordinary petition that would be made on behalf of
only one son. Isaac, on behalf of his son, would extend this blessing:
May God give you the dew of heaven,
and of the fatness of the earth,
and of plenty of grain and wine.
Let peoples serve you,
and nations bow down to you.
Be lord over your brothers,
and may your mother’s sons bow down to you.
Cursed be everyone who curses you,
and blessed be everyone who blesses you! (Genesis 27:28-29)
The recipient of the blessing would be the recipient of any prosperity, domination, power, and
protection that God had to offer.
Unfortunately for Esau, his blessing was stolen by his brother. Jacob pretended to be Esau.
Their father, whose eyes had grown dim, did not recognize that he was giving the blessing to the wrong
son. Once the blessing was extended, it could not be restored to its rightful owner.
Esau could live without his birthright. He could forge a life by his hunting prowess and fortitude,
but he did not believe he could live without his blessing. He became enraged by the loss. Esau wanted
to kill his brother.
So Jacob ran for his life. He married – a few wives: Leah, Rachel, Bilhah and Zilpah. He
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