The first part of Genesis 25 records that after Sarah’s death Abraham took another wife and apparently some concubines and had several more children. These children are taken care with Abraham giving them “gifts.” But the text reads that Abraham left Isaac “everything.” It is Isaac and Ishmael who bury Abraham together. Ishmael’s death is recorded and the Bible will now focus on Isaac and his descendants. They are the ones to carry the promise of the covenant.
The second half of Genesis 25 deals with the birth of Jacob and Esau. Jacob and Esau have trouble in the womb to the point where Rebekah inquires to the Lord about what was happening. The Lord informs her that there are two peoples inside of her and that “the older will serve the younger.” In past years I have been hard on some of the actions Rebekah will take in favor of Esau. However, the text makes plan that God revealed to her that Esau would be the line of the promise.
The last part of this chapter has Esau selling his birthright for a bowl of pottage. Obviously, Esau did not appreciate the significance of the promise given to Abraham and his linage. In fact, the text records that he “despised his birthright.” This makes me pause when I take for granted the “birthright” I have in Jesus.
“Lord, thank You for giving me the privilege of being Your Child. Help me to never take it for granted. I pray this in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.”
About Me
- Robert and Ray Miller
- Robert is the pastor of First Baptist Texas City, Tx. And Ray is the pastor of First Baptist Mertens, Tx. Robert brings over 30 years of biblical study as a pastor. Ray brings a younger perspective to the Bible and also a command of the original languages. Our greatest passion is to see lives changed through the good news of Jesus Christ.
1 comment:
What is a birthright? As Americans we believe that you can be whatever you want to be if your desire is strong enough and if you work hard for your goal. In many ways this is true, but one's birthright is a precious and valuable commodity.
Having been born in America in a christian home and taught the scriptures and the love of Jesus from my childhood, I cannot thank God enough for this birthright. I often ask God why I was chosen for these wonderful privileges when so many were not..
Father, I thank You for all Your blessings. May I never take any of them for granted.
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