“but I have hated Esau, and I have made his mountains a desolation and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness.””
Malachi 1:3 NASB
I believe there is a reason why the Lord wanted us to know He hated Esau. This verse in Malachi is echoed again in Romans 9:13. It is the only time we see God specifically mention that He hated an individual rather than loved, so I believe it is worth paying attention to.
Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of stew. If you remember, his brother Jacob received the birthright instead. Jacob, who was later called Israel, and by the promise made to Abraham, through him all the nations of the earth are blessed. That could have been Esau, but he chose to trade the eternal for the immediate. Not only did Esau cheat himself, he also cheated his descendants.
Are you willing to trade Heaven later for all this world has to offer here and now? Are you willing to sacrifice your family for a “bowl of stew”?
Alabastersky 