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Monday, January 09, 2023

The Firstborn

Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau ate the meal, then got up and left. He showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn. [Genesis 25.34]

The fact that Esau showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn is a foreign idea today. 

While I am certain many claim to understand exactly what this means, one is no doubt hard-pressed to relate it to anything we know and understand today.

The first Biblical account we have of the word "firstborn" is in the story of Cain and Abel. Able dedicated his firstborn lambs to God. The word is not used again in the Bible until this story of Esau and Jacob. So, we have very little background on the real meaning of "firstborn."

However, the fact that Abel's offerings of his firstborn lambs sheds light on the fact that God is pleased when man acknowledges the firstborn and acts accordingly (dedicates it to God). Because of God's involvement, the "firstborn" carries significance far beyond natural understanding.

The greatest significance of the "firstborn" can only effectively and accurately be understood as it relates to the Messiah and the new birth He brought with Him. For this reason, God gives the "firstborn" a holy priority. 

The symbolism of the firstborn forever points to Jesus, "the firstborn of many..." (Romans 8.29). The blessing upon the firstborn is therefore eternally critical as we understand that Jesus' work on behalf all the "brothers and sisters" who would follow Him in faith stands alone as the single most important event of all the universe surpassing creation itself.

As we consider then the story of Jacob and Esau, we should give ample time to, and meditation on, the plan of God from before the creation of the world (see Colossians 1.15).

When considering the significance of Jesus, it becomes clear how Esau showed contempt for his birthright.

Father, help us to see Jesus in all Your Word. Help us to see how, even in this story of Jacob and Esau that You were pointing us to Messiah!

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