Vol.VIII No.III Pg.2
May 1971

A Mans Man

Robert F. Turner

I feel a little guilty. I should boo Esau and applaud Jacob yet I like Esau! I see why Isaac loved Esau (Gen. 25:28). Esau was a cunning hunter (25:27) and with his bow and quiver (27:3) —no rifle and scope — brought home the venison. He also knew how to cook that venison to delight a man (27:4). And Esau was an outdoorsman — a man of the field (25:27). He was hairy and his complexion red (25:25) —nothing smooth or dainty about him. No sissy perfume for Esau; he smelled of the field (27:27).

And he had a temper to match. When Jacob cheated him he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry (27:54). He hotly plotted revenge (27:41). I understand his feelings. Furthermore, Esau did as he pleased. NO asking Momma who he should marry; he took a wife that pleased him (26:34) His judgement was poor; his independence delightful!

Yes sir! Esau was a mans man In fact, that was his fault. He was profane (Heb. 12:16) —coarse, fleshly minded. He never looked to the final result of anything. His actions were dictated by his momentary wish, need, or pleasure. Thus, when he was hungry he traded his whole birthright for a bowl of soup (25:29-f). I am ashamed.

On the other hand, Jacob is not too appealing at first meeting. He is crafty, scheming, unscrupulous, and dishonest. I can not bring myself to like a fellow who would haggle with his starving brother, deceive his old blind father, and cheat his brother while his back is turned. But one thing about him, he kept his eye on the end result and was patient in achieving his goals — how else could he work so long for his chosen wife?

But God succeeded in changing his goals. He began to look for a heavenly country. Read Heb. 11:9-16. With new goals, his character changed. He became so different God changed his name from Jacob (supplanter —27:36) to Israel (ruling with God— 32:28).

Now the point: The citizen of the kingdom of God is not supposed to be a mans man —a man of our liking. The gospel has power to transform the carnal man into man —if we let it work in us. Joe Fitch

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Robert is back! — safe, sound, and tired. He has about 7 meetings before rest and home. Page 3 carries his first report.

I now willingly return the editor his shoes. They rub and pinch. Three fellows —named Jim, Dan, and Joe — now fully realize the work behind a PLAIN TALK article. And thanks to Jim and Dan who made the work lighter. JF