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The Cost of Compromise - Articles | Preachit.org

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The Cost of Compromise

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One of the many amazing stories in the Bible is the story of the twin sons of Isaac, Jacob and Esau. Although twins, these two boys were radically different. Esau loved the outdoors and became a hunter. Jacob preferred to stay at home and learned how to cook. Esau was born first and was covered in hair. Jacob was born second with a death grip on his brother’s heel. Esau became a daddy’s boy. Jacob was sheltered by his mother. Without sharing the entire story, I will fast forward to a part of the story that has always bothered me.

Note the four statements in bold type;

Gen 27:18-24

18 And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son?

19 And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me.

20 And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son?And he said, Because the Lord thy God brought it to me.

21 And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son,whether thou be my very son Esau or not.

22 And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.

23 And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau’s hands: so he blessed him.

24 And he said, Art thou my very son Esau? And he said, I am.

Though Isaac had intended to bless his oldest son, Esau, Jacob deceives his father and comes in Esau’s place to receive the birthright. From the moment that Jacob begins to speak, Isaac is suspicious that something is wrong. The first suspicion comes from how quickly ‘Esau’ manages to go out and kill an animal, bring it back, clean it, cook it and then serve it to his father. The second suspicion comes from Jacobs’s voice. As soon as Jacob speaks, Isaac immediately recognizes the voice of his second son. The Scriptures show that on at least three occasions, Isaac questions the identity of Jacob. He knew something was wrong. He smelled a rat. Yet, instead of investigating any further, Isaac goes ahead and gives the birthright to Jacob.

This is very strange and bothersome behavior from Isaac. Not only because he knew something was wrong, but also because Esau was his favorite son. Considering the love he had for Esau why did Isaac bless Jacob instead? Why did he not investigate to make sure he was blessing the right son? Why didn’t he ask more questions? Why didn’t Isaac seek the truth? Very strange indeed.

There can only be one answer; Isaac somehow felt that Jacob should receive the blessing instead of Esau. Isaac ignored further examination of his son because it would have revealed the truth, and the truth would have prevented Isaac from bestowing the blessing on Jacob. Not only did Jacob deceive, but also Isaac ignored the deception because it went along with what he really desired. Isaac compromised his son Esau.

In ministry, we have to be very careful about ignoring right information and truth just because it doesn’t fit our plans or desires. We must seek out truth at all costs. Even if it invalidates our desires. Every leader and minister will be presented with situations where if a blind eye is turned, it might seem to benefit them or their ministry, but everything has a cost involved. One must always consider the cost of compromise.

Even though Jacob became part of Israel’s promise, it could have been Esau who married Rachel. Instead, Esau ended up marrying daughters of Ismael and became the father of the Edomite nation. It was the king of Edom who refused to allow Israel to pass through her land on their way to Canaan. In the time of Nebuchadnezzar, the Edomites helped plunder Jerusalem and killed her citizens. Out of Edom came the nation of Amalek. The Amalakites were a constant threat to Israel over hundreds of years killing many of her people. King Herod can also be traced back to the nation of Edom. Herod attempted to kill Jesus and his family later had a hand in doing so. I could continue but I think you get the idea. It could have been Abraham, Isaac and Esau instead of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. There is always a cost to compromise. Is it worth sacrificing your integrity just to get your way? Is it worth ruining your good name and your future legacy just so your desires are met? Is it worth the cost to future generations? Not at all. We don’t always realize the cost but hear me, the cost is always greater than we can see. Make sure to seek out truth. Be sure to seek out what is right and what is true even if you don’t get exactly what you desire. Be sure to count the cost of compromise, it will pay off in the end.