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Genesis 25:27-34
The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.) Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.
Additional Scripture References: Genesis 33:4-8, Genesis 33:9, 2 Peter 1:3, 1 Timothy 6:6-8
Is it wrong to be content? Is it wrong to be ambitious? While there’s nothing inherently wrong with either, there is a tension between the two. Esau and Jacob’s relationship gives us a glimpse of this tension in scripture. Esau, being the firstborn, became heir to the family’s birthright. Jacob, being the second in line, did not carry birthright blessings. Esau’s appetite and Jacob’s discontentment led them to make a comprising trade. One willing to give up everything for momentary satisfaction, and the other stealing what was not rightfully his. Both fundamentally believed “I want more” and “I need more.” In the same way, we make unfulfilling trades when we believe we need more from God to step into His promise.
Both ambition and contentment hinge on desire
The story of Jacob and Esau gives us a picture of the power of appetite. When we get too hungry, it can be tempting to give up the thing we want most for the thing we want now. As Esau gave way to his appetite, he gave up his birthright — privileges, blessing, and inheritance that were given to the firstborn son. Our heavenly father has a birthright for us. As we say no to an appetite that will never be satisfied, we find contentment in the only one who truly satisfies our souls.
God has a plan for our lives that is known to him and a mystery to us. Jacob felt that he needed more in order to do what God called him to do, and he took matters into his own hands to get there. While worldly ambition tells us to cut corners, Godly ambition leads us to trust God’s way as we long for everything he has planned. In the middle of our hunger to do more, we can trust that God doesn’t make mistakes. He lays the puzzle pieces one at a time, giving us exactly what we need every step of the way.
Worldliness with contentment is great loss, Godliness with contentment is great gain. As we daily surrender to God we are reminded everything we need and everything we want is found in Him. Just like Jacob wrestled with God, we too are in a fight of faith. Instead of wrestling with man, wrestle with God. Wrestle to trust Him more, to know Him more, to follow His way. Godly ambition begins with doing what God calls us to, believing whatever we need, He will provide.
Meditate on the words of 2 Peter 1:3.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
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+ Marriages
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+ Deaths
+ Hospitalizations/Illness
Please submit a request at vouschurch.com/requestcare
Saying yes to Jesus marks a brand new beginning. Baptism is your next step. It's how you go public with your faith and celebrate the new life God has given you. The past is behind you, and a fresh future is ahead. This is your moment. We are having baptisms this Sunday, July 27th, across all of our locations, and on the beach.
To sign up for baptisms, please click here.
This back-to-school season, we have the opportunity to show up for our city in a meaningful way. On Saturday, August 2, we’re hosting a Back to School Bash at the Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center, located inside Charles Hadley Park. It’s a chance to serve local families by distributing backpacks filled with school supplies and making sure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to start the year with confidence.
Donate - Fill backpacks for families in need for the school year. You can purchase supplies locally and bring to a VOUS Location or donate online.
Serve - Help host our annual Back To School Bash for families in our community — distribute backpacks, check-in guests, and serve our city during a morning of fun and games.
When: Saturday, August 2nd
Where: Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center
Address: 4900 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Team Rally: 10:20AM
Starting Sunday, August 3rd, we will be moving to brand new service times at all of our locations!
VOUS SoMi
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
VOUS Design District
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
The countdown is on! If you're ready to take your next step in ministry, leadership, or higher education, now is the time to apply. VOUS College application deadline is July 31st for both our degree-seeking and leadership programs. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a life-changing semester. Start your journey at vouscollege.com/apply.
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS Design District
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack
