Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, "Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!" Jacob replied, "First sell me your birthright."......Esau said, "What good is the birthright to me?".......So he swore an oath, selling his birthright.
Genesis 25:29-34 (NIV)
This passage reveals the priorities of both Jacob & Esau. While Esau was more concerned about the present, momentary pleasures, Jacob was focused on the long-term, spiritual blessings.
So what exactly did Esau give up for a bowl of stew?
Well, the birthright included headship in the family & leadership (priesthood) in worship, as well as a double portion of the inheritance, and the title to the covenant blessing that God had earlier promised to Abraham. (At that time, priesthood meant the privilege of entering God's presence.)
So how does this apply to us?
As children of God, we are given a birthright........We are given the privilege to enter into God's presence freely (Hebrews 10), to receive all the blessings He has promised us, including the promise of eternal life with Him and being heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). We are given more grace, love, & mercy than we could ever fathom! We are given the promise of an abundant life (John 10:10)! And I could go on & on.
However, it's so easy to get caught up in life, in the present situation, in the things of this world, & to lose sight of our birthright in Christ Jesus, of all the blessings & promises of God. The reasons for God's commands is that as our Father, He wants to protect us.......He wants us to have the most blessed, abundant life possible. Sadly, we often choose the things of this world.......instant gratification.......over the long-term blessings & victorious life we could have. I don't know about you, but I often get my priorities all out of order, focusing on things that I think will bring me happiness, but in the end, it is only momentary......
God, may my focus & desire be for You, for Your presence, for Your will.......for the things that will bring lasting joy & peace, for the things that will bring glory to You! May I not get so caught up in the temporary pleasures of this world that I sacrifice my birthright!
