Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 March 1

“And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright”
(Genesis 25:31-34).

Today’s Morsel:  I have come to realize that most people in the church do not value their birthright.  Like Esau, they do not understand the value of what they have and how important that it really is.  Esau sold his birthright to his Brother Jacob for a bowl of pottage.  He told Jacob that he was at the point of death and the birthright wasn’t going to do him any good anyhow (My wording).  He didn’t value it, nor what came with it.  The first-born was dedicated to God.  Therefore, the birthright symbolized a gift from God.  So since Isaac was still alive, Esau could not see nor understand how important it was to him.  Isaac had not told them the importance until he was approaching his death. He sent him to get venison, so he could bless him.  In other words, so he could give and explain to him his birthright.  Like a will, it’s only good after the person who signs and gives it is dead.  Scripture says that later in life when Esau wanted it, he couldn’t find it though he sought for it with tears (Hebrews 12:16).  Scriptures even call him a profane person.  Meaning that his action and attitude toward spiritual things were not important to him.  He did not foresee this moment to come.  But when he realized the importance of his birthright and wanted it, it was to late.  It was gone.  He wept for a blessing and found it gone.  And God said, Jacob have I loved, and Esau have I hated.  All because he didn’t value his gift from God.  Again, I feel like he was like so many in the church today, they don’t value what God has given them.  Paul said that God has given, unto us of His Spirit.  But many do not value what came with their salvation.  They are more willing to go after the things of the world for a moment of self-gratification for a season, than to enjoy eternal life and the blessings of God forever.  What about you?  Do you value your birthright?

Sing:  Thanks, thanks, I give you thanks, for all you have done.  I am so blessed, my soul has found rest.  O’ Lord, I give you thanks.

Thought For Today:  Your birthright has many blessings attached to it (Parker).