Don’t sell yourself short with God!

Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Genesis 25:29-33

In ancient times, the birthright was given to the oldest son. This story about Jacob and Esau illustrates the motives of twin brothers concerning their birthright. Esau owns the birthright but Jacob wants it for himself.

Jacob realized the importance of a birthright which would give him an inheritance and a better position in life. He schemed to get Esau to sell him his birthright for a bowl of soup.

Looking at this from a spiritual perspective, Jacob understood the value of the everlasting covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants and wanted to be in line to inherit this blessing from God.

Esau did not value his birthright. He believed in doing whatever to satisfy his immediate needs. He was tired and hungry and the bowl of soup was what he wanted. Esau’s attitude was “take the short cut and get what you want and forget about the repercussions from God”.

When you are first born you have no spiritual birthright. Your inner nature is in conflict against God and you have a desire to live for self. In reality, you are a slave to sin with no way of escape.

You receive a spiritual birthright by making a decision for Jesus. This allows you to be His heir and entitled to the fullness of His life.

Your commitment to Jesus should have no hidden motives or be an attempt to try and use God to get something for yourself. It really comes down to having a genuine and pure relationship with God and valuing Him for who He is.

Live in your birthright trusting God for your every need. Don’t take the easy way out! He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him out!

Thought for the day: “Your birthright with Me is eternal and entitles you to My abundant life. Don’t sell yourself short with Me. I will do for you what you can never do for yourself.”