A Word from Genesis 25

Have you ever squandered a blessing because you were so focused on short-term challenges that you missed a long-term opportunity? You could’ve strengthened a relationship, but you were too busy. You could’ve accomplished something extraordinary at work, but it was easier to kill time with trivial things. You could’ve carried some burden to the Lord in prayer, but you were tired and decided to watch TV instead.

It’s easy, isn’t it, to lose sight of what’s truly important when we’re focused on what feels urgent? And we see an example of that in today’s word from Genesis 25 (see verses 27-34).

You probably know the story. Esau and Jacob were the twin sons of Isaac; and while Esau was a” rugged outdoorsy” type, Jacob was more of an “at home” guy. And one day, we’re told, when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau arrived home from the wilderness exhausted and hungry. And he said to Jacob, “I’m starved! Give me some of that stew!”

“All right,” Jacob replied, “but trade me your rights as the firstborn son.”

“Look, I’m dying of starvation!” said Esau. “What good is my birthright to me now?”

But Jacob said, “First, you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, and sold all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob.

Now, I don’t have time this morning to talk about ancient inheritance law—nor about the way this incident impacted Jacob and Esau’s future relationship. But I will say this: As a child of God, you’ve been given an incredible birthright! The promise of God’s presence, and guidance, and the hope of becoming like His Son Jesus. But it’s so easy to lose sight of those permanent gifts when you get caught up in temporary obstacles.

So today, let me simply urge to “remember your birthright” as a child of God – and then to live this day in light of what really matters. Amen.