Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.

Literally, the Bible says of Esau here ”he found no opportunity for repentance.’

Tom Wright comments:

‘Human character and reputation is like a tree; it takes decades to grow, but it can be cut down or burnt to a cinder in a matter of minutes…the point of the sharp warning in this passage is that it is indeed possible to do things which bring our character crashing down in ruins and to discover that there is no way back…We should be cautious about suggesting that someone who genuinely wants to repent of their sin and get right with God will ever be refused; but we should be equally cautious about imagining that someone who enjoys Christian fellowship but then plays fast and loose with the consequent moral responsibilities will be able to come back in whenever they feel like it. Decisions and actions have consequences.’ Tom Wright: ‘Hebrews for everyone’, pp.155, 157,158.

Here, then, are some words to take to heart:

”Be very careful, then, how you live…” (Ephesians 5:15a).