Kingdom Covenant Part 6

At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Covenant,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.

As we delve deeper into our series’ Kingdom Covenant,’ we will dedicate the next two weeks to exploring the conflicts between Esau and Jacob, with a particular focus on the birthright and the blessing. This week, our attention is on the birthright, a pivotal aspect of our ongoing discussion.

The birthright honors the rights or privileges of the family’s firstborn son. After the father died or was absent, the firstborn son assumed the father’s authority and responsibilities.

Genesis 25:27–34 (NIV)
27 The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. 28 Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.) 31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” 32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” 33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.

Esau’s hasty decision to trade his birthright for a momentary pleasure serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of prioritizing the temporal over the eternal. It compels us to reflect on our own choices: What are we willing to sacrifice for immediate comfort or pleasure? Are we, like Esau, undervaluing the profound and lasting benefits of spiritual and eternal blessings in our pursuit of fleeting satisfaction?

Understanding our spiritual birthright in Christ is not merely a theological concept but a profound reality that has transformative power in our lives. It goes beyond intellectual acknowledgment to a deep-seated conviction that shapes our values, priorities, and actions. This understanding shifts our perspective from the transient to the everlasting, from self-centered to God-centered.

When we fully grasp our spiritual birthright, we realize that our identity is not tied to this world’s fleeting pleasures or accomplishments but is rooted in Christ and His eternal kingdom. This realization is not a burden but a liberation, leading us away from a self-centered pursuit of material gain or worldly success to a God-centered focus on spiritual growth, service, and love for others. It’s a journey that brings freedom, joy, and a sense of fulfillment.

The story of Esau serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the consequences of disregarding or trivializing our inheritance in Christ. In a moment of physical hunger and shortsightedness, Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of stew, demonstrating a lack of appreciation for the spiritual blessings and responsibilities of his position in the family. Similarly, when we prioritize immediate gratification or worldly pursuits over our spiritual birthright, we risk missing out on the abundant life and blessings that God has prepared for us.

Embracing our spiritual birthright is not just about acknowledging the privileges that come with being a child of God but also the responsibilities. It’s about living with integrity, wisdom, and faithfulness and stewarding our resources, talents, and opportunities for the glory of God and the benefit of others. It’s about cultivating a deep relationship with God through prayer, studying His word, and fellowship with other believers, allowing His truth and love to shape and guide our lives. It’s a commitment that requires our wholehearted dedication and responsibility.

In essence, understanding our spiritual birthright in Christ is a game-changer. It empowers us to live with purpose, conviction, and an eternal perspective, aligning our lives with God’s kingdom values and allowing us to experience His blessings and joy.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.