From the beginning, Esau did not walk in the ways of the Lord. He even gave up his birth right for a bowl of stew. Though he had a good father in Isaac, he was not able to think clearly when it came to marriage, for even his father was married to both Rebecca and Leah. Though, it wasn’t Isaac’s intention to be with both of them, since he was tricked into marrying Rebecca, his son didn’t see it this way. So unfortunately Esau followed the example of his father and also took upon him more than one wife. To be exact, he took unto himself three wives. It is recorded that 1“Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; And Bashemath Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebajoth.” (Genesis 36:2,3) He then took all of wives and children and traveled to the land of Canaan. It was in this place that Esau’s son Eliphaz also strayed from God’s perfect will of marriage, one man and one wife, and had himself a concubine to fulfill his sexual needs. It is recorded that 1“Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau’s son.” (Genesis 36:12). As you can see here, when God’s commands are not taught correctly or not at all, then children will go astray and often follow the example of their parents. This will lead them to fulfill their own lusts and not abide in God’s will.
There is a reason why it is important that we are good examples to our children, lest they also do things that are not lawful in the sight of God. For example, we may not want them to be looking at pornography so maybe we should be watching what we watch also on TV and on the internet. Also, if our own lives are off track with God because of Sexual sin or addiction, then there is a good chance that our own children will also follow in our own footsteps. Many people have said that they do not want to be like their parents, but instead raise their children a better way. However, this will never happen if the Lord God is not in our marriage and over our family. If we truly want to make a difference in our children’s life, then we need to be seeking God on a daily basis, by reading His Word and praying often. This way will we be able to be led by what He says and not by what our flesh desires. In doing this, God will convict us of our sins, that we may repent and become right with Him. In doing this, our children will see our lives and our great example. Now, a good example is great and all, but it is also important to teach our children what is right and wrong. This we do in accordance to what God’s Word says. 2“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) Doing this will really help our children know that Jesus is the way to eternal life. So please think about this and be a light to your children, starting today.
Let us pray:
Lord, I pray that parents will desire to raise their children in Your ways, that they may know what is right and what is wrong. Also, help them understand the need to be a good example to their kids, that they may see what a Christian should live like. It is one thing for us to teach, but another thing to practice what we preach. Your words have taught me this and I know now how important it really is to be doing of what You say and not just a hearer only. So come Lord and make Your home inside of our hearts this day. Teach us what is holiness, that we may live accordingly. And if there be any sins in our lives that is keeping us away from Your presence, make it known to us now. I know that I can never learn how to do what is right in this world if You are not with me. That is why I need Your continual direction and guidance in my life. I also know that I will never be a good example to my children if You are not leading me and my wife by the hand. For this reason, I come to You in all humility, desiring to receive Your counsel, that I may be a better father figure to them, as You are to us. May my children see Your good works in my life and also desire to do the same things. Open their heart and ears, that they may be teachable, when it comes to the Bible and Your ways. May the Holy Spirit come into this house and attend to our family’s needs each day of our lives. Your ways are righteous and I pray that our ways will be the same. I love You Lord. You are my God and I trust in You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Genesis 36:1-16 (KJV)
1 Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom.
2 Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite;
3 And Bashemath Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebajoth.
4 And Adah bare to Esau Eliphaz; and Bashemath bare Reuel;
5 And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these are the sons of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan.
6 And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob.
7 For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.
8 Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau is Edom.
9 And these are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in mount Seir:
10 These are the names of Esau’s sons; Eliphaz the son of Adah the wife of Esau, Reuel the son of Bashemath the wife of Esau.
11 And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.
12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau’s son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau’s wife.
13 And these are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau’s wife.
14 And these were the sons of Aholibamah, the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon, Esau’s wife: and she bare to Esau Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.
15 These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz,
16 Duke Korah, duke Gatam, and duke Amalek: these are the dukes that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these were the sons of Adah.
2Proverbs 22:1-6 (KJV)
1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
2 The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.