Birthright

Gen 25:21-34

We read today about the infamous story of Esau and Isaac. There are many things we can discuss about these brothers but I want to focus on one aspect today - the birthright. As we know, to be born as the firstborn is an immense privilege - to be treated specially during the life of the parents, and after they die, to be granted both spiritual and material blessings way beyond any of their siblings. It is then to our surprise as to why Esau held his birthright so lightly. Why he would give up his birthright so easily for a bowl of lentil soup (v32). Furthermore v34 revealed what was in Esau’s heart - “that he scorned his birthright as beneath his notice”. We will never fully understand the reasons behind Esau’s attitude but we can only speculate.

As I was reading this passage today, I began to wonder about our own birthright. Who does the Bible say we are? Are you ready for this? It really blew my mind to try to understand the privileged position that has been granted to us.

“But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name” John 1:12.
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14).
“And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the [Holy] Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba (Father)! Father!” (Galatians 4:6).

Can you imagine this? Can you even begin to comprehend the enormity of this privilege - to be called the child of God! God!!!! We are talking about the King of Kings here. The Creator of everything! The “Head Honcho” of the universes and galaxies!!! GOD!!!! And we have a birthright as a CHILD of GOD! To be able to call Him “Abba” - imagine looking up at God affectionately and tenderly calling out to Him “Daddy”. WOW! Amazing. We can spend our whole lives giving all thanks and praise to Him when we begin to understand the enormity of the heritage we have inherited.

But let’s get back to reality - how do we truly treat our birthright? Don’t look at Esau and judge him and say he is a bad man, when actually if we think about it... some of us are doing the exact same thing as he is. Perhaps we have not fully understood what our birthright actually is. We have not spent time to “work out our salvation” - and to truly value it. Some of us are even ashamed of our birthright and we don’t really “let our light shine before men”.

Other reasons we may be like Esau in scorning our birthright may be “too much responsibility” (I just want to enjoy my own life and not think of the future) , “too different” (so hard to walk the straight and narrow path) “too weird” (what will people think of me?), “too unbelievable” (why would God give all that to me?).

My friends, let us ponder our birthright today. Go back to the verses I quoted earlier - chew on them, meditate on them, let them sink deep into your soul. How valued we have become in the eyes of God to be called a child of God! And so let us proudly walk in this life truly understanding our birthright. Not just the wonderful blessings that come with this status but our responsibilities to this amazing office. Let us do our Daddy (Abba Father) proud!

www.web.me.com/psalm_128

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