Esau sold his birthright (Genesis 25: 29-34)
Just because of his indifference to the requirements of divine blessings, Esau is called in Scripture “a profane person.” He represents those who lightly value the redemption purchased for them by Christ and are ready to sacrifice their heirship to heaven for the perishable things of earth. Multitudes live for the present, with no thought or care for the future. Like Esau they cry, “Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die” (1 Cor 15:32).
Joseph ruled over the palace that once imprisoned him (Genesis 39-46)
The marked prosperity which attended everything placed under Joseph’s care was not the result of a direct miracle; but his industry, care, and energy were crowned with divine blessing. Joseph attributed his success to the favor of God, and even Pharaoh accepted this as the secret of his unparalleled prosperity. It is worthy to note however, that without steadfast, well-directed effort, success could never have been attained. Proverbs 16:3 confirms this ‘commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.’
Gehazi could have been the next Elisha (2 Kings 5:20-27)
Had it not been for his apparent greed and lack of focus, Gehazi could have received quadruple portion of the anointing since his mentor Elisha received the double portion. Instead, his generation was gifted with the curse of leprosy. It takes just one person to make or destroy a generation or a lineage. In Gehazi’s case, he brought misfortune to generations yet unborn who will come to Christ albeit with a faulty foundation. No wonder Psalm 11:3 asks, ‘if the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?’
Jonah’s resistance to God’s love for his people (Jonah 1-4)
Jonah’s escape to Tarshish will be understood by those who have ever led a gathering of stiff-necked, below the bar people. But throwing in the towel when it comes to birthing God’s plan for his people can be likened to Christ refusing to die on the cross. Despite their shortcomings, God wanted Nineveh saved so he orchestrated a plan to bring Jonah back to his conscience and deliver the message. If what we want conflicts with what God wants, we must step back and allow God to have his way. Jesus reminds us in Luke 4:43 “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”
Prayers
1. Power of open eyes to recognize opportunities, fall upon me in Jesus name.
2. Prevailing power of the most high God, Overshadow me in Jesus name.
3. Enemies of my full scale laughter, be quenched by the fire of God in Jesus name.
4. Any power wasting my divine opportunities, die by fire in Jesus name.
5. Holy Spirit, teach me how to profit in Jesus name.