Changing a Nation

Read Genesis 25-26
 
Genesis 25:32-33 “Look, I'm dying of starvation!” said Esau. “What good is my birthright to me now?” 33 But Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob.
 
HAVE you ever been around a person who loves to emphasize the smallest trifle into a “life or death” situation? Esau was like that. He proclaimed he would die in a few minutes if Jacob didn’t give his stew to him. Esau is hungry for immediate satisfaction. As a result, he surrendered his birthright, which is the most precious possession of a Hebrew first-born son.
   In a moment of rash passion for a “meal in a minute” Esau threw away material wealth and subsequent honor. Now Jacob, the second-born twin, will inherit the birthright due Esau. Esau’s impatient demand and quick dispersal of his inherited wealth changed the foundation and structure of Israel to come.   
   Of course, God’s plan was to have Jacob be the leader of the next generation, just as he told Rebekah, “The older will serve the younger.” (Genesis 25:23c).  He will bless Jacob’s family. Many times God will use a second-born son (Moses) or a lesser child of a family (Joseph and David, for example) to demonstrate he is El Shaddai – LORD of all.
   Today, your birthright as God’s child is to inherit the kingdom of God. We read in Titus 3:7 “Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”  God chose Jacob. As you confess Jesus as Lord, God has chosen you, given you eternal live. 
   Let’s not be as Esau was, concerned about instant pleasure. Let’s be focused on the birthright given to us. Be careful what you desire. Your decisions and reactions will affect the foundation and structure of your life and your loved ones forever. Remember, what you say and do is not just about you.
   Receive in faith your birthright in the kingdom of God. Treasure it above all earthly, momentary desires. Ask God: “See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalms 139:24)
 
Be Still: Rest for a moment as you consider God is your perfect Father, who has adopted you into eternal life.