Bitterness Part 2
In today's world, where information is readily available at our fingertips and technology offers so many shortcuts, it's easy to overlook some of the most potentially life-changing truths. We often rush to find the answers we want and, in doing so, miss out on the revelation of the Person-Jesus. My recent study of “The Root Of Bitterness” was so deeply life-changing, but for far more reasons than expected. One of the great lessons I have taken from this time has been to slow down, pay closer attention, and allow His Word to permeate my heart. As I mused on different passages, I began to see that the Lord's greater intention was to expand my understanding of His nature. There is this moment in trials where we can look at the circumstances, assess our response to them, examine those responses against the Word of God, and be found lacking and in desperate need of Him, and this is the crossroads of decision. Do we believe in His work? Do we believe that if we surrender, confess our need, and repent, He will meet us there and perform what is required so that we may be free to walk in victory? I believe that! As ugly as all the unregenerate bits within me are, I believe in His work, which is why times of exposure of what is in our hearts are so precious. They can be so painful as we come to grips with and see how disgusting and unholy they are, but Christ promised that He would complete the work in us, did He not? I tell you; man is rarely that gracious. But Christ is. When He sees us on our knees, weeping, repenting, and in complete need, He will respond with forgiveness and comfort. From that moment, my words can never fully express what happens within a heart. But when you stand up, wipe your tears, and begin to walk again, something has changed. You will know that freedom has come and that something has been broken. It is a miracle, and it is marvellous. And it leaves you with an experiential knowledge of something you had only read about. It becomes living and active in you, performing the very work that it was sent to do.
If this study can produce anything at all, I pray that it produces in you a determination to know Him experientially, not just know Him through someone else’s experiences and not simply as someone you read of, but to know His Life that dwells in you if you are His.
Before we come to Hebrews 12:16-17, I want to first remind you of who Christ is.
· He is the One who has spoken to us through His Life
· He is the Heir and lawful Owner of ALL things
· He is the creator of all things and put them in order (including you and me)
· He is the expression of the Glory of God
· He is the perfect imprint and image of God's nature
· He upholds, maintains, guides, and propels the universe by His Word
· He offered Himself for the cleansing of our sins
· He now sits at the right hand of the Father
· He has a superior name that is above all names
· He is the Son of God
· He is God
· He is anointed above His companions
· He is the Lord
· He will remain permanently when all created things perish
Everything written above about Christ is encapsulated in just one chapter: Hebrews 1. Christ is the answer we are all seeking. While we might be tempted to grasp at temporary things or look to the world for fulfillment, we know they will never truly satisfy us. No matter how desperate our situation becomes or how close to the edge the Lord allows us to go, knowing Christ is essential. If we don’t, we risk settling for something far less and jeopardising everything.
Root Of Bitterness (Part One Recap)
“To sum this up, to walk in bitterness is to walk in idolatry, making yourself god and rejecting the Covenant of Christ.” To understand how we came to this conclusion, please visit Root Of Bitterness — Flourish Aroma. We also learned that the Greek word for “grace” is charis and means the merciful kindness by which God, exerting (applying pressure or force to achieve a specific result) his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues. The spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace. We could say the grace of God is applied to achieve a specific result. Remember the Lord said to Paul: 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. His grace turns us to Christ in our time of weakness that he may strengthen us and increase our faith and knowledge of Him. It is the power to overcome that which can only be overcome by Him.
So let us now begin to examine the next instruction given to us: Hebrews 12:16-17 AMP [16] and [see to it] that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. [Gen 25:29-34] [17] For you know that later on, when he wanted [to regain title to] his inheritance of the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance [there was no way to repair what he had done, no chance to recall the choice he had made], even though he sought for it with [bitter] tears.
We are instructed to "see to it." This idiom means "to make sure that something is done." Again, it is not passive; it requires a deliberate choice and effort. We are instructed on what to do, and in verses 22-24, we are given the reasons why.
Hebrews 12:22-24 ESV [22] But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, [23] and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, [24] and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
What we have been called to and what we have received is of immense value—far more valuable than anything we could trade it for. Understanding the New Covenant and the grace of God that we have received, which embodies the overcoming power of God in Christ that has been freely given to us, helps us gain more insight into why Esau is specifically mentioned here.
It is written that Christ is the firstborn of creation: Colossians 1:15 (ESV) states, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation." He is also described as the firstborn of the dead: Revelation 1:5a (ESV) says, "and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead." Furthermore, He is the firstborn among many brothers: Romans 8:29 (ESV) notes, "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."
The blessing of the firstborn is key to what we are exploring. Christ holds the highest place in all things. He has been given authority over everything in heaven and on earth. All creation was made by Him and for Him. In Matthew 28:18 (ESV), it says: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” The term "firstborn" signifies might, strength, pre-eminence, dignity, and power (Gen 49:3) Philippians 2:9-11 ESV [9] Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Christ is the firstborn from whom we are now partakers of the blessing. Galatians 3:25-26, 29 ESV [25] But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, [26] for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. [29] And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
Here is the promise: Genesis 22:16-18 ESV [16] and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, [17] I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, [18] and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”
Galatians 3:7-9 ESV [7] Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. [8] And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” [9] So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
What! The gospel was preached to Abraham? AMAZING! But wait, there is more!
Who is this offspring? Galatians 3:16 ESV [16] Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.
Christ is the firstborn of all creation, the firstborn among the dead, and the firstborn among many brothers. He is the promised Offspring through whom all nations on earth are blessed. Furthermore, it is through His blood that the New Covenant was established (Luke 22:20). We are beneficiaries of this blessing through Him because we have received the spirit of adoption and are now heirs with Christ. Galatians 4:4-7 ESV [4] But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. [6] And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” [7] So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Romans 8:15-17 ESV [15] For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” [16] The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
I am attempting to establish a scriptural foundation to explain why Esau's selling of his birthright was such a dishonourable act that, even when he sought it back later with repentance, he could not regain it. It’s essential to consider the dangers of a heart consumed by idolatry. Esau's focus was on immediate gratification—he sought something that would provide momentary satisfaction. He was immoral, godless, and held in disdain the valuable gift he had been given freely. By examining the root of bitterness, we find that it correlates with what our hearts are truly set on. Esau’s example is a crucial reminder that a heart of idolatry will easily trade away something of great value for temporary pleasures because its focus is diverted to lesser things.
Hebrews 6:4-6 AMP [4] For [it is impossible to restore to repentance] those who have once been enlightened [spiritually] and who have tasted and consciously experienced the heavenly gift and have shared in the Holy Spirit, [5] and have tasted and consciously experienced the good word of God and the powers of the age (world) to come, [6] and then have fallen away—it is impossible to bring them back again to repentance, since they again nail the Son of God on the cross [for as far as they are concerned, they are treating the death of Christ as if they were not saved by it], and are holding Him up again to public disgrace.
This serves as a warning for us. We have received, through faith, the greatest gift of all: eternal life in Christ Jesus. We have been shown the Way through the pattern of His life. The scriptures provide us with instruction, the Holy Spirit teaches us, and we are given grace to overcome sin, temptation, and anything that might lead us away from Christ.
This is weighty, and I don’t want to lighten the weight of His Word, but I want to leave us with hope. I want to remind us of the Covenant that was prophesied and has now come to all who, by faith, believe in Christ.
Jeremiah 31:31-33 AMPC [31] Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, [Luke 22:20; I Cor. 11:25.] [32] Not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was their Husband, says the Lord. [33] But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel: After those days, says the Lord, I will put My law within them, and on their hearts will I write it; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 AMPC [26] A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall heed My ordinances and do them.
His promise was a new heart. We can’t misread that, nor manipulate that in any way. The promise within this New Covenant is a new heart. So, let's dive a little deeper.
The Hebrew word for "new" is ḥāḏāš, and it means "fresh," "new," or "a new thing."
“I will put” is the Hebrew word nāṯan, which means to apply, commit, deliver, grant, ordain, perform, shoot forth, thrust, fasten, yield, and without fail.
“My Law” is the Hebrew word tôrâ, which means instruction, direction (human or divine), a body of prophetic teachings, a body of priestly direction or instruction, and a body of legal directives or codes of law.
“Within them” is the Hebrew word qereḇ, which means among, inner part, or inward part, as the seat of thought and emotion, or entrails.
“On their hearts” means lēḇ, which means inner man, mind, heart, understanding, midst, heart, soul, memory, inclination, resolution, determination (of will), conscience, moral character, seat of appetites, seat of emotions and passions, seat of courage.
The Hebrew word for "new heart" is ḥāḏāš, which means something new, fresh, or an entirely new thing.
“Take away the heart of stone” is the Hebrew word sûr, which means depart, turn aside, be removed, come to an end, take away, put away, depose, retract, reject, abolish.
We can read it like this: “He will apply, thrust, and fasten His instruction, direction, and prophetic scriptures in our inward part, and to our heart He will give understanding, inclination, determination, moral character, and a seat of courage. He will reject and remove our heart of stone and give us an entirely new, fresh one.”
This is real, and it is sealed. He promised it, and He delivers it. So, why do we still sin? Why is our heart sometimes still hard and resistant toward Him? Why do we live lives that look minimally transformed? And how can we become like Esau so easily? I believe these are powerful questions. We all know someone—or perhaps we are that someone—who repented of sin and started our journey well, but then something happened that caused it all to come to a halt. With fiery trials promised, persecutions expected, and hatred for our faith inevitable, what would cause us to sell out after receiving a gift so wonderful and full of abundant promises, help, and blessings? Coming back to the text context, Esau despised the blessing. It was no longer his treasure, so it no longer had his heart. Matthew 6:21 ESV [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Being famished, walking through trials, being challenged, rebuked, and convicted is a gift of God if we will see it. It reminds us of our desperate need for Him. In Hebrews 12:6-12, the writer talks about the Lord's discipline. It hurts, and it never feels good at the time. As a mother, I didn't immediately resort to a smack on the bottom. Instead, there were times when removing a privilege or giving my children a time-out was necessary, free from distractions like friendly chats or TV entertainment. This time was meant for them to sit quietly and reflect. Although my children didn't always react positively to this approach at first, I am now grateful that I implemented it because they are now benefiting from that discipline. It may have seemed strict at the time, but in the long run, it has benefited them. God is our Father, and He does not immediately resort to judgment every time we sin and fall short; instead, as a loving Father, He may remove something, He may cause us to walk a period of time in isolation through a valley. He may bring a word of correction or instruction that causes us to realise our error and bring us to repentance. All His ways of discipline are good and bear fruit in their season.
The writer then goes on to say: Hebrews 12:12-13 AMP [12] So then, strengthen hands that are weak and knees that tremble. [Is 35:3] [13] Cut through and make smooth, straight paths for your feet [that are safe and go in the right direction], so that the leg which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather may be healed.
Isaiah 35:3-4 AMP [3] Encourage the exhausted, and make staggering knees firm. [Heb 12:12] [4] Say to those with an anxious and panic-stricken heart, “Be strong, fear not! Indeed, your God will come with vengeance [for the ungodly]; The retribution of God will come, But He will save you.”
Can I quickly remind you of what Jesus told us were the most important commandments? Mark 12:30-31 AMP [30] and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul (life), and with all your mind (thought, understanding), and with all your strength.’ [Deut 6:4, 5] [31] This is the second: ‘You shall [unselfishly] love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” [Lev 19:18]
It is just after this that we read: Hebrews 12:15 ESV [15] See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. Just the chapter before we read about the saints who chose faith and obedience, and it was credited to them in this amazing, encouraging testimony for us to read.
So, let's connect all the dots now. The root of bitterness is conceived in idolatry, taking our eyes off Christ and putting them onto the external circumstances. We have entered into a New Covenant with better promises. He has taken away the heart of stone and given us a heart of flesh. We have been given grace, which is the merciful kindness of God that exerts His holy influence on us, turning us to Christ and strengthening and increasing our faith in times of need. We have been warned that if we are God's children, He will discipline us because of love. Instead of turning against one another, we should focus on strengthening those around us who may have weak hands and feeble knees. We must avoid letting ourselves fall into anger, resentment, strife, malice, abuse, gossip, slander, or any form of accusation against our brothers and sisters. We must keep our eyes on Christ rather than fixating on others, ensuring that no root of bitterness takes hold and leads us to despise and reject the precious gift of blessing we have received so freely.
The root of bitterness leads to significant consequences because it defiles the testimony of Christ, and it defiles those with whom we are now joined in Christ. It puts a stumbling block before others and creates divisions within the community, detracting from Christ and asserting ourselves. It's essential to know and believe that we have been provided with everything necessary to overcome our struggles; The key lies in asking ourselves, “Do I truly believe this?” The answer will either bring you to your knees, desperate to see His Word fulfilled in your life so that you don’t walk in bitterness or settle for anything less than His promise and His work being complete. Or you will keep going on your journey until you discover you haven’t gone anywhere and will quite possibly become offended at God, rather than turn to Him. I remember crying out desperately to see the fruit of my old patterns broken. I was yearning for change. I believed, and while no external action can compel God to move on our behalf, I couldn’t help but express my longing through heartfelt cries, seeking to experience His power within me to bring this work to fruition. I was convinced He could and would do it; all I was willing to keep asking, seeking, and knocking until He moved.
He can break old patterns and lead us in His ways. He is faithful and responds when we pray to Him and make our requests known. You might not have realised that your circumstances could be a form of discipline from the Lord, so ask Him to reveal that to you. You may not have noticed that the patterns in your life may be resisting His work, and perhaps you have unknowingly traded away the blessings and promises in Christ for something of less value that cannot transform you. Selling his birthright changed Esau’s life and affected those around him. We can choose something different. We can place our complete trust in the authority of Christ and the grace that has been bestowed upon us. Through Him, we can experience true transformation and embrace the blessings of a renewed heart and changed life.
