Birthright

Day 20.
Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom.) Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. (Genesis 25:29-34 ESV)

When you read about all the promises that are Esau’s birthright and the wealth of his father Isaac, it is easy to shake your head in judgment over Esau. I mean, come on, he was willing to give all this for a bowl of soup? But then again, do you ever despise your birthright?

Children growing up in a Christian home have an incredible birthright. They too inherited meant to inherit eternal life and the kingdom of heaven. But often this birthright is despised in light of the things that are here and now. The culture of our day does not encourage faith. It derides it and holds out the lusts of the flesh and the pride of oneself as worthy pursuits. They can bring instant gratification. Playing video games instead of doing your homework, hoarding your money instead of giving your tithe, turning on the TV instead of spending time with the Lord can all be ways of despising your birthright. So before throwing stones at Esau, look in the mirror and ask, is this what I do?

How can you embrace your birthright?

Chronological Reading Plan plus Psalms: Ge 25-26, Ps 20