The Spirit Of Esau
Hump Day - Day Of Prayer For The Muslim World Vol. 131
Esau held a grudge against Jacob... He said to himself, "The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob." Genesis 27:41
Last week's newsletter was the first of a series, as we looked at the spirit of Ishmael and its influence upon the Muslim world. Today, in part two, we look at the spirit of Esau and its effect upon Islam, Israel and terrorism.
Before we do, let us make it very clear. Muslims are not all terrorists! All Muslims - even terrorists - can be reached with the gospel!
Esau - Who Was He?
- The firstborn of twins to the patriarch, Isaac, and his wife. Rebekah.
- Brother to the patriarch, Jacob
- Despised his birthright and sold it to Jacob for some stew (Genesis 25:29-34)
- Took his wives from among the Canaanites (Genesis 36:2)
Esau And Ishmael - How They Relate
- Both lost their birthrights and inheritance as firstborn
- Both felt rejection by their fathers - probably left with bitterness and anger
- Esau married the daughter of Ishmael (Genesis 28:9). Thus the intermarriage of the Ishmaelites and Edomites began.
Esau, Edom And Israel
- Esau is the father of the Edomites (Genesis 36:9)
- Edom was a sworn enemy of Israel
- In their attacks upon Israel, the Edomites often aligned with others (II Chronicles 20; Psalm 137:7)
- Edom is the subject of judgment for its treatment of Israel (i.e. all of Obadiah & Jeremiah 49:7-22)
Esau, Edom And The Color Red
After Esau was tricked out of his blessing, Isaac prophesied that he would live by the sword (Genesis 27:40).
- Esau was also called "Edom" which means red
- While it is true the color red has been associated with love (i.e. Valentines), it has frequently been a symbol for war, blood, violence, anger and aggression over the years.
The Spirits Of Esau And Ishmael Linked
If the spirits of Esau and Ishmael were linked together, what would that look like? Before we answer, we must see something first.
There is a Shia Islamic sect known as the Ismaelis. Long ago, they were led by a group called the "Assassins", and they struck terror wherever they went. What about their assassinations? How would their terrorist attacks compare with today?
- Were made against perceived enemies of their form of Islam - that could mean Jews, Christians and other Muslims
- Were a forcible means to spread Islam
- Were public - often on holy days in holy places
- Assassins often sacrificed themselves with a promise of paradise
Prayer Needs
- Pray for a prayer movement asking the LORD to help us stand in our sonship AND authority in Christ against the spirits of Esau and Ishmael. Pray their mouths would shut and their power would be broken over the Muslim world in Jesus' name
- The objective of terrorists is to instill fear in the hearts of others - this includes the followers of Jesus! Someone once said: "Love mobilizes but fear paralyzes." Pray a love for God and the enslaved Muslim people would mobilize us to actions inspired by faith as we become "fishers of men"
- Pray for Muslim terrorists - that they, like Paul, would become highly effective laborers in the Kingdom of God
We greatly appreciate your praying with us today. Thank you!
Dream so big only Jesus can make it happen!
Jay & Marsha Crenshaw
e3 Partners
Directors Muslim Outreach USA/MECANA
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