Are You Working for What’s Already Yours?

PRAY OVER THIS

“And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” Genesis 25:34

 

PONDER THIS

The birthright was a special blessing that belonged to the firstborn son. It linked everything in Isaac’s family to the blessing God had given to Abraham. God gave a blessing to Abraham. Abraham gave the blessing to Isaac. Isaac was to give the blessing to his son, and so forth. The birthright was to follow on not only through Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob’s sons—the twelve tribes of Israel—but also on to Jesse and David, all the way to Joseph and Mary, and on to Jesus. The birthright was a promise that included provision. It included possessions. It included protection.

Now here’s the ironic thing: According to Genesis 25, the birthright already belonged to Jacob. God said that the older would serve the younger (Genesis 25:23). The second son that came out of the womb would have the birthright. And here’s Jacob trying to connive and get what is already his. So, he said to Esau, “Okay, friend, you want the stew; I want the blessing. We’ll just make a trade. Deal?” And they shook hands and Esau ate the stew and Jacob said, “I’ve put one over on him. I now have the birthright.” But it was already his.

What “birthright” belongs to you if you are a follower of Jesus?

What are some ways you work to earn from God, even though He’s already given you what you need in Jesus?

PRACTICE THIS

Look back at the ways you said you seek to earn favor from God. Make a corresponding list of the ways God has already provided all you need in Jesus.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers