“These are the generations of Esau (that is Edom)” (36:1).
This chapter contains lists of Esau’s descendants, which many of us might find rather boring. However, we are reminded that even though Esau, and certainly his descendants, are not “main players” in God’s unfolding story, they still mattered enough for their names to be recorded. Even though you and I may not be famous, each one of us matters. Each individual has a sphere of influence. What if each of us used our lives, our spheres of influence, for God?
As a mom, my main sphere of influence has been my children. I have been discipling them, raising them to love and follow God all of their lives. That is an extremely important “sphere of influence.” And each of our children have a sphere of influence. So, in that way my influence has spread. But on top of that along the way as a full-time homeschooling mom, there have been other people whom God has brought into my life that I have influenced. My life matters to various people, but most of all to God.
For we are his workmanship, created in Messiah Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).
(Side note, Esau and Jacob had to separate because “their possessions were too great for them to dwell together” (Genesis 36:7). Not only was Jacob blessed, but Esau was blessed as well. God doesn’t only bless the “main players.”)
Prayer: God, thank You that my life matters. May You help me to walk in the “good works” that You have prepared for me. Amen.
