Christ or Canaan? (Genesis 36)

             “Esau took his wives from the Canaanites…”

            Esau was a man of the world.  He can be compared to a pagan that has been raised in a Christian home.  Isaac served God, and was a good example to his children, including Esau.

            Esau had all the opportunities in the world to live for God and walk in righteousness.  He did not come from a “broken home” and he learned about God from his godly family.

            In spite of all these blessings and privileges, Esau chose to reject everything connected with God.  First, he rejected his birthright for a hot stew.  Now, he was marrying pagan women from Canaan.  He chose to unite with idolaters and rejected the only true God. 

            Beloved, beware of the “Canaanite pleasures.”  We are children of the light and cannot join ourselves to the kingdom of darkness.  We can’t love Christ and “Canaan” at the same time, it’s impossible; it’s a mistake; it is a sin.

            Do not take anything from this world.  Be careful not to entangle in “unholy alliances” with non-believers.  In 2 Corinthians 6:14 we are admonished by the apostle:

            “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”

            If you ever need something (or someone), ask God.  He will always give us more than we need or deserve.  At least in this case, it is better to receive (from God), than to give (to the world). 

            A. G.       

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