The story of Esau and Jacob in Genesis 27:1-10 contains a salient lesson we are often oblivious to. Not only was Esau irrational in his disposition to life in his younger days, he was also not prudent enough. I believe he eventually learnt his lesson, even though he learnt it the hard way. It takes prudence to become so rich that you have 400 bodyguards. The level of wealth Esau displayed at his reconciliatory meeting with Jacob also points to a life of prudence (Genesis 32:6; Genesis 33:8-9). However, the salient lesson I want you to be mindful of today is that Esau had no reservoir of meat. If Esau had been preserving his meat for ready-to-cook use, he would not have needed to go so far before preparing his father’s favourite meal. While he was living from hand to mouth, his brother had enough in his flock to spare in case of emergencies, such as the need which arose on that fateful day. Esau was not saving for the rainy day; he usually went to the field to fetch venison as the need arose. Unfortunately, his lifestyle of not saving enough made him susceptible to the tricks of his brother and mother. It is very important that children of God learn how to prudently conserve God’s blessing in their lives. Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us these principles in the miracle of the feeding of the multitude with 5 loaves of bread and two fish. John 6:12-13 says
“When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.”

This is also why the Bible enjoins us to learn from the ant. Not only is it hardworking, it also knows how to conserve for the future. Speaking on this important truth, Proverbs 6:6-8 says:
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”

It's so amazing that the ant will not eat its winter food in summer! Remember that the prodigal son spent all he had in the time of plenty and was later in want in the time of famine (Luke 15:14). Joseph’s principle of conservation in the time of plenty saved the whole middle-eastern region from terrible famine (Genesis 41:33-36). Beloved, do not get swept off by the system of the world which encourages spending, even on credit, and discourages savings. Learn to save for the rainy day.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.