“These are the family records of Esau” (Genesis 36:1)
In today’s chapter we read the genealogy of Esau. I know what you’re thinking. Why would God preserve this genealogy? And yet, we know the entire Bible is “inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Even the genealogy of Esau has its purpose, and it is certainly much richer than at the surface. For one, genealogies are a form of record keeping to prove a lineage and to even tell of the stories of a family. This genealogy not only points to the history of Esau’s family, but gives credibility to the genealogy that flows from Jacob and points to Jesus.
As modern readers it is clear, especially after the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, that He is indeed the Messiah. Yet, it is so easy to forget what that actually means for us. I’ll be the first to admit to getting caught up in focusing on the parts of the Bible that are easily applicable to our lives, the things we can check the boxes off of. Paul says to put to death “sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness” and put on “kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Col. 3:5; 12). These are very good things and they are certainly pleasing to our Father in heaven, however, if we focus solely on these things, and doing them on our own strength, then we begin to see ourselves as good enough, and legalism is not too far off. We’ll miss the point of God’s grace through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, which influences “kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” in our lives.
But God did include genealogies, reminding us of His promise to us, that we are in fact spiritual descendants to the promise God made to Abraham through our faith in Christ alone. Just as Esau’s genealogy is inspired by God, so are Paul’s words, “And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29). Take a moment to reflect on this truth, ask God to reveal to you whether you are living by the law and works, and ask him to unravel further the riches of his mercy and grace so that you may be able to live in even greater joy, peace, obedience, and confidence in Christ.