Who Cares About a Silly Birthright?

Daily Reading: Genesis 25

Scripture Focus: Thus Esau despised his birthright. (Genesis 25.34)

Devotional Thought: There are times in life when we forget the big picture and instead focus on immediate satisfaction. Those are the times that get us into trouble. A few years ago, I took advantage of an offer to stay in a resort on Myrtle Beach. All I had to do was agree to sit through a two hour presentation... My wife, Lana, and I went to the presentation with no thought of buying into the resort's timeshare. But on the 12th floor, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, it all seemed like such a good idea! I can't believe how close we came to buying. Not that it would have been bad, but it just didn't fit our long-range plans - nor our finances for that matter! We needed to consider the whole picture.

In Genesis 25, Esau failed to do just that. When he came in from the fields, he found his brother Jacob cooking away. Esau was famished, and his senses overcame his sense. He agreed to give his birthright to the conniving Jacob in exchange for some soup and bread. What a deal! Right? Wrong! Yesterday's inheritance customs are not like todays. The firstborn son was to receive a "double portion" of the inheritance. That meant that if there were 9 sons, then each received a tenth, except for the firstborn, who received two tenths - double what everybody else received. Esau gave away a lot for a cup of soup!

Are we any different? We have birthrights as children of God. Do we forfeit them for trinkets and pleasures that pass away? Do we fail to see the big picture? Child of God, do not give away what lasts forever for something that satisfies for only a season!

Prayer: Father, thank you for making us your sons and daughters. Help us, O Lord, not to despise our birthrights as your children. Instead, grant that we may remain faithful to you in the midst of temptation. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. 2 Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind. 3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. 4 I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites. 5 I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked. 6 I wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O LORD, 7 proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds. 8 O LORD, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells. (Psalms 26:1-8)