Genesis 27 • Empty Tears

In our text this Sunday we see a basic principle of spiritual life that is EASY to understand, but oh so DIFFICULT to practice: REPENTANCE!

We will be looking repentance as we consider the tragic tale of Esau on Sunday, from Genesis 25 & 27. The interpretation of Esau’s story is described best in Hebrews 12—

Hebrews 12

15       See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

16       that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 

17       For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

Tears don’t prove repentance. Regret doesn’t prove repentance.

Repentance is marked by one thing: a change of direction. Turning away from a wrong action, a wrong mindset, a wrong habit, and returning to God.

Repentance should see a change of mind; a change of heart; a change of character.

May God grant us hearts that know how to repent: how to be broken and contrite when we’ve done wrong, and how to find restoration in the Gospel!

Psalm 51:17 • The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.