Saturday, January 13
Despising your birthright
Scripture: Genesis 25-26, Psalm 6, Luke 13
Genesis 25:32–34 Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” 33 Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
Observation
The birthright was a custom that gave the firstborn son a privileged place in the family, affording him a double portion of his father’s estate, a special blessing by his father and leadership in the family.
The birthright was Esau’s, but in a moment of hunger, impulsive and short-sighted Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of soup. “Thus Esau despised his birthright.” He treated it as something of little or no value.
Hebrews 12:15–16 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; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.
John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
Romans 8:16–17 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.
Application
We are children of God and thus heirs of God. Yet like Esau, it’s possible for us to despise our birthright, to place more value on temporary satisfaction than our eternal inheritance. What are ways I might despise my birthright, trading it for a bowl of soup?
When I don’t have time to spend with Jesus in the Word or prayer, but I have time to watch TV—I’m trading my birthright for a bowl of weak soup.
When I can’t be bothered to go church or small group because it’s cold or I’m tired or there is a playoff game on (or fill in the blank)—I’m trading my birthright for a bowl of porridge.
When I’m too busy, distracted or lazy to love the person in front of me—I’m trading my birthright for a bowl of mush.
Today, I’m going to think about how I despise my birthright in Christ, and evaluate my life through that lens. Challenging!
Prayer: As always, Lord, I’m so grateful for Your grace that not only forgives me but empowers me to change. Here’s another area I need Your help: show me where I’m despising my birthright and settling for far less than Your best for me.