September 4 I Friday

Psalms 143-145

1 Corinthians 14:21-40

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”   —Jeremiah 29:11

    Proverbs tells us a sobering story: “At the window of my house I looked down through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent...She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: ‘...I looked for you and have found you! I have covered my bed with coloured linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey...’ With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life” (Proverbs 7:6-23).

      This story warns us of a fool who wanted instant gratification. He had an appetite and wanted to satisfy it, so he followed the adulteress and was seduced without realizing the consequences of his decision. It costs him everything as Proverbs 6:32 reveals, “A man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”

      In the New Testament, we are told that Esau’s choice for instant gratification, with little regard of his birthright, is godlessness. The author of Hebrews writes, “See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterwards...he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done” (Hebrews 12:16-17).

      As the firstborn, Esau had special privileges and status in the family, but he foolishly traded his birthright for a bowl of stew. Esau could have prepared a meal for himself within an hour but he did not want to wait. It is the same principle as sexual immorality of wanting to satisfy the physical appetite immediately.

      For a bit of pleasure now, we can spend years in tears. God forgives us when we come in true repentance, but this does not mean that the consequences of our sin and wrongdoing are suddenly lifted from us. May we be careful with the choices that we make in life.

Prayer: Father God, forgive me of my past choices. Protect me from the lure and seduction of instant gratification that goes against Your perfect plan. Thank You, Father.