Statute of Limitation

For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.  Hebrews 12:17  NASB

No place – This verse scares me to death.  I know the story of Esau.  So do you.[1]  The author of Hebrews calls Esau immoral and godless.  I’m not sure we would be so caustic, but that’s because we don’t fully appreciate the insult and arrogance demonstrated in Esau’s forfeiture of the birthright.  Nevertheless, we understand perfectly well the possibility of reaching a point where repentance no longer makes any difference.  We know theoretically (we hope) that some have turned so far away that they can’t make it back.  Is Esau’s experience really a warning to all of us?

The Greek text tell us that Esau found no “place” (topos) for repentance in spite of his effort to seek it.  The verb is strong (zeteo).  Esau zealously sought relief and restoration, but it was no longer available.  The time of blessing had passed.  Another took his place.  Esau came to repentance too late.  How did this happen?  What precipitated this tragedy in Esau’s life?  The answer is lack of kavvanah.  Esau presumed upon God.  Esau thought that his future was assured because of his position.  Esau believed that once he attained a certain status he could never lose that rank.  Esau was arrogant and in his arrogance he neglected the weightier matters of the faith.  He thought God would always be there no matter what he actually did.  He was mistaken, tragically mistaken, and by the time he realized his mistake, the blessing of God had departed.

It’s unlikely that you are going to give away your birthright for a bowl of soup, but that doesn’t mean you don’t harbor the same mistaken hubris of Esau.  It seems to me that all of us presume upon God’s grace.  We simply think that He won’t pass us by no matter what we really do.  We assume there will always be room for repentance.  We do not fear Him.  Perhaps we’re right.  Perhaps it is always possible (theoretically) to come back.  But even if we seek Him with tears, the blessing we desired may have already passed by.  One wonders if Esau cried because he repented of his arrogance or because he could no longer have the expected benefit.  Perhaps God did forgive Esau of his pride and petulance, but the blessing was not recaptured.  How many gifts from the Father have we frittered away because we presumed God could not change His plans for us?  How many of Esau’s tears have we cried and remained comfortless?  And who is responsible for that? 

Now is the day of salvation says the text.  Esau reminds us that tomorrow is too late.

Topical Index:  Esau, place, topos, repentance, blessing, Hebrews 12:17