Birthrights

• August 29, 2011 08:55 am
• by: Pastor Sherrie Hittler

The lectionary readings from Sunday, July 10 seemed to shout out a pattern way too familiar to all of us.

Genesis 25:19-34 is the story of Esau despising and selling his birthright for a bowl of stew. We’re like him. We despise and ‘sell’ our birthright as children of God. This birthright is an amazing blessing that includes forgiveness, healing, restoration, blessings – and more! Yet, when we have a momentary need that seems consuming, we sell our birthright and live a life in bondage to self.

In Psalm 119: 105-112 David declares that his heart is set on keeping God’s decrees to the very end. This becomes the antidote to the above malady of ‘self’, of despising and selling our birthright. If we will keep our heart set on God, the destruction that comes with ‘self-focus, self-protection, self-promotion, self-indulgence and self-sufficiency will not occur.

In Romans 8:1-11 we learn the outcome, the blessings of keeping God’s decrees and accepting and embracing our birthright; there is no condemnation, because the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death.

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 tells the parable of the sower. This reminded me what it is that keeps us despising our birthright and keeps us from setting our heart on keeping God’s decree to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving our neighbors as ourselves. One of the elements that cause the seed from taking root is true in each of our lives at some point.

Really, what a ridiculous thing to sell the most amazing gift – a birthright to be the children of God! And why would we do such a foolish thing? Because we allow the cares of this world, the work of the evil one, or trials of life to snatch our blessing and we think there is nothing to do about it.

So, what part of your birthright might you still be rejecting? What is keeping you from setting your heart on loving God completely – and loving your neighbors as yourself?