I’ve hear it said so often, within families and amongst friends, when discussing the issue of inheritance – it’s my right! What is often forgotten by those expecting any inheritance and accompanying responsibilities is that it is also the right of parents and siblings to give, change or disinherit any form of inheritance due!
In Ancient Times
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In the Old Testament we read from Genesis 25: 19 -34, a real life situation whereby Abraham and Sarah’s son Isaac, who had married Rebecca, was unable to have any children of their own and asked the Lord for help. In ancient times the issue of birthright was very important and it was how families passed on, to the next generation, its inheritance, leadership and influence.
In more modern times and throughout the world this custom has been challenged and changed. In many cases individuals have rebelled and rejected both their material and spiritual inheritance to set about finding alternative ones! We also have to understand those who find themselves confused about whom they are and who they might be in the present and the future.
However, it is important to understand that as generations come and go there always is the importance of continuity and the passing on of certain ‘battens’ within family, society and church that ensures a future life continues and thrives in all its forms
Sibling Rivalry
In the course of time Isaac’s wife Rebecca conceived and she gave birth to twin boys, Esau and Jacob. God let it be known to Rebecca that the elder son, Esau would have to serve the younger son Jacob. For Esau it was his gift to be the eldest son and would have looked forward to inheriting his birthright but we find that Jacob coveted it for himself.
In understanding his role and responsibilities Esau should not have been so ready to consider giving up his inheritance and it reminds us that for today’s generation, in the cause of being different, many are also ready to give up any physical and spiritual inheritance, leadership and influence that are due to them.
It seems that a prevailing spirit of the world today is to get rid of all that might seem oppressive and generational so that we are free to pursue our own pathways and delights without any conventional constraints. However, church and world history shows us that in giving up our rights and responsibilities so easily it can end in self-destruction and even a collapse of civilization.
As Christians we can inherit the gift of salvation and everlasting life through Jesus our Saviour and Lord. We are no longer condemned but forgiven and we become a new person in Christ (2 Corinthians 5: 17) that produces a new spirit and fruit that lasts and is a blessing for all we come in contact with.
Two Different Characters
As mentioned Esau was born first and he was red and hairy in complexion. Jacob when arriving into the world was found to be holding on to Esau’s heel. At that time Isaac their father was sixty years young. Esau became a skilled hunter and loved the countryside. Jacob was much quieter and enjoyed his home amongst all the tents.
In families and life we should not have favourites but Isaac loved Esau more and Rebecca favoured Jacob. In their differences they were to form two separate nations Israel and Edom. Someone very wisely shared with me recently that the way to care for both children and grandchildren without favouring one or another was that, whenever they were caring for one child at any particular time they were the best and favourite one!
Jacob seemed to have been very envious and concerned about his own and Esau’s birthright. In spite of God telling Rebecca that Jacob would rule over Esau Rebecca and Jacob conspired to steal the birthright from Esau themselves.
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One day Jacob was found to be making some stew and Esau, who would have been hungry from all his physical activities, was offered some strew in exchange for Esau’s birthright.
It seemed that Esau was not that bothered about the value and importance of his birthright and quickly gave it up to Jacob. In time Esau was angry over what had happened and as a result Jacob had to flee for his life to the region of Paddan Aram.
The twins had different characteristics. Esau was rugged, and concerned more about his immediate life than any thoughts for his birthright that would have given him a double inheritance from his father’s estate over what Jacob would have received. It also seemed that Esau wasn’t greatly concerned about the importance of continuing that covenant relationship with God that had been established with his granddad Abraham and his father Isaac.
Patience
Jacob and his mother Rebecca should have been more patient in believing that one day Jacob would inherit the birth right when the time was right under God. Jacob was deceitful and it is said that in ‘being a deceitful person we are more liable to become deceived ourselves’!
Jacob had a different character to Esau that suited the responsibilities he had to face up to. He went on to overcome many challenges as a husband, son in law and father to many.
So let us remember that in all our relationships, inheritances and leadership responsibilities we may seek to share and produce a fruit of the spirit that is pleasing and lasting rather than fruits that displease God and are self-destructive.
Personal Application
When thinking about your own personal birthright and what you might expect to inherit, embrace it in a relaxed manner.
You may be the first born and feel the extra weight of responsibility upon you in respect to your parents and younger siblings. If you are not the first born then do not be envious of their status and position. Thank you frepik,com
Respect your parents and wider family members and enjoy all the benefits and challenges that will arrive in your family experiences. In both cases remember that any inheritance that might come your way is only a promise and not a guarantee and therefore whatever we might inherit in the future will be as a result of a loss of a parent or family member and we should use it wisely, with a sense of thanksgiving for the one who has bestowed it upon us.
Graham
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