By seeking God in spirit and in truth we can gain a greater understanding of our inherited birthright of Abraham not as a physical son or daughter, but a spiritual son or daughter through the promise.
BIBLE PASSAGES
Genesis 25:19-28:9
Malachi 1:1-2:7
Romans 9:6-16
Genesis reveals to us that Isaac is the promise that God had spoken about. Abraham had many physical children, but the promise through which the redemption of mankind would come would be through Isaac.
The purpose of the covenant that God gave to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is to bring life and peace. This life and peace was to be passed down through instructions from one generation to another.
Abimelech clearly saw the Lord was with Isaac. This did not come without a trial, however, of having to dig another well in the face of adversity. Isaac persevered in what he knew God had spoken to him through his father and God himself.
Understanding what God is doing in His master plan for our lives is going to take great courage and perseverance. We are going to have to dig deep and stand on the promises of God and see them through to completion. We can’t give up or “sell our birthright” because we are not paying attention or desire that is temporary as Esau did.
By seeking God in spirit and in truth we can gain greater understanding of our inherited birthright of Abraham not as a physical son or daughter, but a spiritual son or daughter through the promise.
“And the Lord told her, ‘The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.’ “From there Isaac moved to Beersheba, where the Lord appeared to him on the night of his arrival. “I am the God of your father, Abraham,” He said. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I will multiply your descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will do this because of My promise to Abraham, My servant.” Then Isaac built an altar there and worshiped the Lord. He set up his camp at that place, and his servants dug another well.” – Genesis 26:23-25, ESV
“One day King Abimelech came from Gerar with his adviser, Ahuzzath, and also Phicol, his army commander. “Why have you come here?” Isaac asked. “You obviously hate me, since you kicked me off your land.” They replied, “We can plainly see that the Lord is with you. So we want to enter into a sworn treaty with you. Let’s make a covenant. Swear that you will not harm us, just as we have never troubled you. We have always treated you well, and we sent you away from us in peace. And now look how the Lord has blessed you!” So Isaac prepared a covenant feast to celebrate the treaty, and they ate and drank together. Early the next morning, they each took a solemn oath not to interfere with each other. Then Isaac sent them home again, and they left him in peace.” – Genesis 26:26-30, ESV
“The purpose of My covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered Me and stood in awe of My name. They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from Me.” – Malachi 2:5-6, ESV
“This means that Abraham’s physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham’s children. For God had promised, ‘I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.’” – Romans 9:8-9, ESV
Questions for reflection:
▪ How would I define birthright?
▪ Would I have persevered like Isaac in finding a well suitable in the face of opposition?
▪ Am I like Esau - ready to sell out my birthright because of my fleshy desires?
▪ Is it clear in my life, in the natural, that others see the Lord is with me?
▪ Do I understand the blessing of the Father in my life?
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