Birthright

What is a birthright? Firstly, a “right” is a benefit that you are entitled to that you did not have to earn. According to the dictionary it is, “that which is due to anyone by just claim.” If accused of a crime, you have certain rights before you are brought to court. Also, as a citizen of a certain country you have certain rights. For example, in Australia every citizen has a right to free medical care. We also have a right to clean water, appropriate housing and education. A birthright then would be something you would be entitled to – not that you’ve ever earned it, but it is any right or privilege that you are entitled to by birth; you are entitled to it simply because you were born. It may be that you were born first in line and therefore are entitled to certain privileges
that subsequent children born to the family are not entitled to.

A BIRTHRIGHT YOU ARE BORN WITH

A birthright is also talked about as a character trait that is passed on from a mother to her children; your inherited character traits. “Many have received, as their birthright, both strong and weak points of character, which are positive defects. These peculiarities colour the entire life.” 4T 360

The mother’s attitudes and demeanour while pregnant have a great impact on the unborn child. “The thoughts and feelings of the mother will have a powerful influence upon the legacy she gives her child. If she allows her mind to dwell upon her own feelings, if she indulges in selfishness, if she is peevish and exacting, the disposition of her child will testify to the fact. Thus many have received as a birthright almost unconquerable tendencies to evil. The enemy of souls understands this matter much better than do many parents. He will bring his temptations to bear upon the mother, knowing that if she does not resist him, he can through her affect her child. The mother’s only hope is in God. She may flee to Him for strength and grace; and she will not seek in vain.” AH 241. It is easy to judge children when we see them unruly however the mother may bear the greater guilt.

“Let the heart of the instructor be linked with the hearts of those under his charge. Let him remember that they have many temptations to meet. We little realize the objectionable traits of character given to the youth as a birthright, and how often temptation comes to them as a result of this birthright.” GW 211. Be patient and find out the root cause of the person’s difficulties and address the root cause, rather than condemn the symptoms.

CORRECT INHERITED NEGATIVE CHARACTER TRAITS

Many excuse their faults because they say they have inherited these tendencies to evil from their parents. They feel that it is impossible to change and make no efforts to this end. “But many have inherited traits of character that in no way represent the divine Model. There are many who have some defect of character received as a birthright, which they have not overcome, but have cherished as though it were fine gold, and brought with them into their religious experience. In many cases these traits are retained through the entire life. For a time no particular harm may be seen to result from them; but the leaven is at work, and when a favourable opportunity arrives, the evil manifests itself.” 5T 418

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26.
God can do the impossible. If He can create the world in six days by the Word of His mouth, He certainly has the power to change a sinful human being with a carnal heart, to a righteous human being with a heart of flesh. The only thing lacking is our faith and our desire to be changed. We love our idols too dearly to surrender them to the Lord.

INHERITED BIRTHRIGHT??

The meaning of birthright mentioned in the introduction will be now discussed. In Ancient Israel the eldest son was the one who normally received the birthright. Under the Mosaic legislation these birthright privileges included:
1. succession to the official authority of the father,
2. the inheritance of a double portion of the father’s prosperity
3. the privilege of becoming the family priest.

The birthright, “included not only an inheritance of worldly wealth but spiritual pre-eminence. He who received it was to be the priest of his family, and in the line of his posterity the Redeemer of the world would come. On the other hand, there were obligations resting upon the possessor of the birthright. He who should inherit its blessings must devote his life to the service of God. Like Abraham, he must be obedient to the divine requirements. In marriage, in his family relations, in public life, he must consult the will of God.” PP 177

It is an unfortunate fact that people often want the birthright privileges, but don’t want to fulfil the obligations that come along with these privileges as seen with the Jewish leaders in the time of Christ.

“The Sadducees rejected the teaching of Jesus…[but]…Like the rest of the Jews, they boasted much of their birthright as children of Abraham, and of their strict adherence to the requirements of the law; but of the true spirit of the law and the faith and benevolence of Abraham, they were destitute.” DA 604. They claimed all the promises of God as their own, not by obedience, but by birthright. However, they sadly failed in fulfilling the obligations that came along with the blessing.

ESAU’S BIRTHRIGHT

Esau is best known for selling his birthright for a morsel of food. In several Bible verses we can read that his sin was extremely loathsome; he had separated himself from God so much so, that he was hated.

“I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob, And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.” Malachi 1:2, 3

“When Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.” Romans 9:10, 12, 13.

The Lord here shows His preference for Jacob and his descendants over Esau and his descendants. This preference arose, not arbitrarily, but out of the relationship of the two brothers to God. Because Jacob was spiritually minded and had soul saving faith, loving the things of God, his sins were forgiven and he enjoyed God’s favour and fellowship. Esau, on the other hand, was a worldly-minded, profane person, with no desire or love for divine things and so he put himself outside the divine favour. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Gen. 25:34.

Although Esau loved material wealth and desired that portion of the birthright, he despised the spiritual obligations that were included, because he “had no love for devotion, no inclination to a religious life. The requirements that accompanied the spiritual birthright were an unwelcome and even hateful restraint to him. The law of God, which was the condition of the divine covenant with Abraham, was regarded by Esau as a yoke of bondage. Bent on selfindulgence, he desired nothing so much as liberty to do as he pleased. To him power and riches, feasting and revelling, were happiness. He gloried in the unrestrained freedom of his wild, roving life.” PP 178

Is this true with some youth today who know the truth? Some who have grown up in the church? We are all given a spiritual birthright from Jesus when we are born again; when we are converted. This birthright will be fulfilled partly here on earth (peace and happiness) and fully when Jesus returns the second time to give us eternal life. Unfortunately, “there are very many who are like Esau. He represents a class who have a special, valuable blessing within their reach,–the immortal inheritance, life that is as enduring as the life of God, the Creator of the universe, happiness immeasurable, and an eternal weight of glory,–but who have so long indulged their appetites, passions, and inclinations, that their power to discern and appreciate the value of eternal things is weakened.” CC 61. Why did they lose their desire and appreciation of eternal things? Indulgence of appetite, passion and inclination. How few realize the danger of indulgence of appetite and how deep the depravity that Satan wants to plunge the human race.

APPETITE

In the Garden of Eden, Eve fell on the point of appetite. Such a simple test, but with grave consequences when the test is failed. Today many struggle with appetite. Satan makes the foods that are harmful to the health smell and look so tasty and many are too weak to resist the temptation. Indulgence of appetite has led many souls to ruin.

“Many are controlled by their appetite, and rather than to deny an unhealthy appetite will sacrifice high and valuable considerations.” 3SG 116. “This is where many stumble; they waver between denial of appetite and its indulgence, and finally are overcome by the enemy and yield the truth.” 4T 31. Many people today are allowing a very small part of their body, their taste buds, to control their entire being. Their “god is their belly” Phil. 3:19.

We may argue that we are vegetarian and therefore following God’s plan for health. But is being only a vegetarian enough? No. In reading the Spirit of Prophecy there are many other health counsels that often are ignored or taken lightly. I don’t need to mention them here, because I am sure many of us know what these are and where we fall short. Do we take these other health laws lightly? Were they simply written by a human agent? Or by the Lord Himself? So when we disregard these laws of health, we are disregarding God Himself.

“Esau had a strong desire for a particular article of food, and he had so long gratified himself that he did not feel the necessity of turning from the tempting, coveted dish. He allowed his imagination to dwell upon it until the power of appetite bore down every other consideration and controlled him. He thought he would suffer great inconvenience, and even death, if he could not have that particular dish. The more he reflected upon it, the more his desire strengthened, until his birthright lost its value and sacredness in his sight, and he bartered it away.” CH 110. This can be true with any sin, not only appetite. The more a person lusts after sinful pleasures, the less sinful they appear. They get to a point where they feel they cannot live without them.

Temptation is not sin, however it can turn into sin if not resisted. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:14, 15. When a sinful thought enters the mind, it must be put away immediately. To dwell upon it for any length of time, as did Esau, will turn the thought into a desire and that will create lust for the sinful indulgence. Give all temptations over to the Lord immediately and He will give you victory.

LOVE OF MONEY

Possessing money and wealth is not sin. God can bless men with wealth as He blessed Abraham, Hezekiah and Solomon. When people begin to use these blessings exclusively for themselves by living a luxurious lifestyle, a curse is brought upon them. Many turn money into sin when it becomes the all-absorbing purpose in their lives. They are selling their birthright for money. “The Scriptures teach that wealth is a dangerous possession only when placed
in competition with the immortal treasure. It is when the earthly and temporal absorbs the thoughts, the affections, the devotion which God claims, that it becomes a snare. Those who are bartering the eternal weight of glory for a little of the glitter and tinsel of earth, the everlasting habitations for a home which can be theirs but a few years at best, are making an unwise choice. Such was the exchange made by Esau, when he sold his birthright for a mess of pottage; by Balaam, when he forfeited the favour of God for the rewards of the king of Midian; by Judas, when for thirty pieces of silver he betrayed the Lord of glory.” CS 138

You may think that you have not sold your birthright for money, but ask yourself how much you put into the Lord’s treasury every week and compare that with how much you spend for unnecessary luxury items, during the week, purely for the love of self, whether food or material goods.

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matt. 6:21. “The works of those men who have an insane love for riches show that it is not possible for them to serve two masters, God and mammon.

Money is their god. They yield homage to its power. They serve the world to all intents and purposes. Their honour, which is their birthright, is sacrificed for worldly gain. This ruling power controls their minds, and they will violate the law of God to serve personal interests, to increase their earthly treasure.” 3T 479. Our birthright from God is our honour. We need to preserve it and not sell it for the material wealth of this world which will soon be burned up.

EDUCATION

Education is good and necessary however, some people will sell their birthright for their education. “If, in obtaining an education, you become so absorbed in your studies that you neglect prayer and religious privileges, and become careless and indifferent to the welfare of your souls, if you cease to learn in the school of Christ, you are selling your birthright for a mess of pottage. The object for which you are obtaining an education should not be lost sight of for a moment. It should be to so develop and direct your faculties that you may be more useful and bless others to the extent of your ability. If by obtaining knowledge you increase your love of yourselves, and your inclination to excuse yourselves from bearing responsibilities, you are better without an education” 3T 223/4. The purpose of education is for the honour and glory of God. He has given us mental capabilities to be educated to be useful for His service; to be a benefit to mankind. Used for this purpose will bring a blessing to the student. Any idol that is cherished above the Lord is an exchange made of the birthright that He is offering us.

ONE CARELESS MOMENT

“Esau… sold his birthright for a small indulgence to meet his present wants, and this determined the after course of his life.” CC 61. His whole life changed its course. In my garden this summer, I planted 5 cucumber plants and I have them climbing up a small tree and a fence. They have reached a height of about 2 metres and are providing abundant cucumbers. One very hot day (47C) our dog, in an attempt to create a cool spot to lie down, dug in the dirt of my garden. In the process she dug up one of my cucumber plants. I didn’t notice it until I saw the leaves wilting terribly. I was very sad and, upon investigation, discovered the source of the wilted leaves. I then attempted to replant the cucumber plant because the roots were still intact. I gave it much water and tender care. After a day the main stalk of the plant still contained wilted leaves, however a side shoot showed promise. The side shoot appeared to recover with the leaves nice and robust, however the main stalk never did recover.

I use this story to illustrate how the Christian life may be growing under the tender care of the Master Gardener. It may grow tall and robust, bearing much fruit, however in one careless moment, when the enemy comes in, our plant may be uprooted. We lost our connection with Jesus in a thoughtless moment. Although Jesus may replant our plant, we may never recover to our original state. We may always bear the scars of sin. To tamper with sin, even in the least bit is dangerous. There can be life-long consequences.

“Let none flatter themselves that the sins of their youth can easily be given up by and by. This is not so. Every sin cherished weakens the character and strengthens the habit; and physical, mental, and moral depravity result. You may repent of the wrong you have done, and set your feet in right paths; but the mold of your mind and your familiarity with evil will make it difficult for you to distinguish between right and wrong. Through the wrong habits you have formed Satan will assail you again and again.” OHC 81

“In one moment, by hasty, passionate, careless words, may be wrought evil that a whole lifetime’s repentance cannot undo. Oh, the hearts that are broken, the friends estranged, the lives wrecked, by the harsh, hasty words of those who might have brought help and healing!” RC 292.

Esau’s life changed forever by that one rash moment. We need to guard carefully our words and actions as they may have eternal consequences. Even if we repent we may bear scars in this life. Our nature is weakened and overcoming may become more difficult in the future.

SOUGHT WITH TEARS

Paul writes, “Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” Hebrews
11:16, 17.

“He flattered himself that he could dispose of his birthright at will and buy it back at pleasure; but when he sought to regain it, even at a great sacrifice, he was not able to do so. He then bitterly repented of his rashness, his folly, his madness, but it was all in vain. He had despised the blessing, and the Lord had removed it from him forever.” CH 110

“He had lightly valued the blessing while it seemed within his reach, but he desired to possess it now that it was gone from him forever” How do we value eternity? Is it worth trading heaven for the sinful pleasures of this world? “Esau was not shut out from the privilege of seeking God’s favour by repentance, but he could find no means of recovering the birthright.

His grief did not spring from conviction of sin; he did not desire to be reconciled to God. He sorrowed because of the results of his sin, but not for the sin itself.” PP 181

“There are many who fail to understand the true nature of repentance. Multitudes sorrow that they have sinned, and even make an outward reformation, because they fear that their wrongdoing will bring suffering upon themselves. But this is not repentance in the Bible sense. They lament the suffering, rather than the sin. Such was the grief of Esau when he saw that the birthright was lost to him forever.” CC 63

Examine yourself. Why are you in the church? Do you love God with your entire heart mind and soul or are you simply fearing punishment? Do you pay your tithes and offerings only to gain the promised blessings that attend the giver of financial means, or do you give, because you love the Lord, expecting nothing in return?

TOO LATE

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jeremiah 8:20

“As Esau awoke to see the folly of his rash exchange when it was too late to recover his loss, so it will be in the day of God with those who have bartered their heirship to heaven for selfish gratifications.” PP 182

“Those professed Christians who come up to that last fearful conflict unprepared will, in their despair, confess their sins in words of burning anguish, while the wicked exult over their distress. These confessions are of the same character as was that of Esau or of Judas. Those who make them, lament the result of transgression, but not its guilt. They feel no true contrition, no abhorrence of evil. They acknowledge their sin, through fear of punishment; but, like Pharaoh of old, they would return to their defiance of Heaven should the judgments be removed.” GC 620

“Too late will sinners realize that they have sold their birthright. The crown that they might have had shines upon the brow of another. The inheritance, which they might have had, is lost. Beware how you trifle with temptation. Beware how you boast of your strength. Christ is your everlasting strength; confide in God, lay hold of His strength, and He will bring you off conqueror and you will wear the crown of victory.” HP 362

“All who endeavour to excuse or conceal their sins, and permit them to remain upon the books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession and the more honourable the position which they hold, the more grievous is their course in the sight of God and the more sure the triumph of their great adversary. Those who delay a preparation for the day of God cannot obtain it in the time of trouble or at any subsequent time. The case of all such is hopeless.” GC 620

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and
shall not find it.” Amos 8:11, 12

“Then I saw Jesus lay off His priestly attire and clothe Himself with His most kingly robes. Upon His head were many crowns, a crown within a crown. Surrounded by the angelic host, He left heaven. The plagues were falling upon the inhabitants of the earth. Some were denouncing God and cursing Him. Others rushed to the people of God and begged to be taught how they might escape His judgments. But the saints had nothing for them. The last tear for sinners had been shed, the last agonizing prayer offered, the last burden borne, the last warning given. The sweet voice of mercy was no more to invite them. When the saints, and all heaven, were interested for their salvation, they had no interest for themselves. Life and death had been set before them. Many desired life, but made no effort to obtain it. They did not choose life, and now there was no atoning blood to cleanse the guilty, no compassionate Saviour to plead for them, and cry, ‘Spare, spare the sinner a little longer.’ All heaven had united with Jesus, as they heard the fearful words, ‘It is done. It is finished.’ The plan of salvation had been accomplished, but few had chosen to accept it. And as mercy’s sweet voice died away, fear and horror seized the wicked. With terrible distinctness they heard the words, ‘Too late! Too late!’ ” EW 281

“What would they not give for one word of approval from God! But no, they must hunger and thirst on. Day after day have they slighted salvation, prizing earthly riches and earthly pleasure higher than any heavenly treasure or inducement. They have rejected Jesus and despised His saints. The filthy must remain filthy forever.’ ” EW 281. Examine yourselves? Are you ready for Jesus to come? What if He would come today? Where will you be?

WHAT IS NOT A BIRTHRIGHT

“No man receives holiness as a birthright, or as a gift from any other human being.” Then how can we obtain it?
“Holiness is the gift of God through Christ. Those who receive the Saviour become sons of God. They are His spiritual children, born again, renewed in righteousness and true holiness. Their minds are changed. With clearer vision they behold eternal realities. They are adopted into God’s family, and they become conformed to His likeness, changed by His Spirit from glory to glory. From cherishing supreme love for self, they come to cherish supreme love for God and for Christ… Accepting Christ as a personal Saviour, and following His example of self-denial–this is the secret of holiness.” AG 120

LATTER RAIN ALL AROUND US

It is not very long now before we will experience the final events in this world’s history. Those that have not overcome on every point, will not receive the Latter Rain. “There must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain. Only those who are living up to the light they have, will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.” FLB 333

CONCLUSION

“This case of Esau is left on record as a warning to others. As Esau learned that Jacob had obtained the blessing, which would have belonged to him, had he not rashly sold it, he was greatly distressed. He repented of his rash act, when it was too late to remedy the matter. Thus will it be with sinners in the day of God, who have bartered away their heirship to heaven for selfish gratifications, and hurtful lusts. They will then find no place for repentance, although they may seek it, like Esau, carefully and with tears.” 3SG 117

“Honesty, nobility, purity of soul, fellowship with God and angels, the heavenly hope, the eternal inheritance, the joys unspeakable and the bliss immeasurable, are your birthright, and will you barter away these treasures for sinful pleasure?… What shall worldly pleasures avail you when all the world shall be overwhelmed as was Sodom and destroyed like Gomorrah?” HP 362

“Today, Satan has great power in the world. He has been permitted to have proprietorship of this earth for an appointed time. During this period, when iniquity prevails, men and women are given a chance to take sides. In every possible way,Satan tries to make the broad road attractive and the narrow road grievous, humiliating, and objectionable. He lays ingenious plans to allure men and women to indulge appetite. Cheap, unsatisfying pleasures are made all and in all in this degenerate age. Satan throws his glamour about these amusements, which eclipse eternal things.

Many will sell their birthright, as did Esau, for trifling consideration by the indulgence of appetite. Worldly pleasure will appear more desirable to them than the heavenly birthright.” UL 39.

You have been given a birthright by your parents – your inherited tendencies. It is a sinful, carnal nature, but it does not need to remain this way. Jesus’ promised birthright is pure and holy. It will lead to perfection of character – a turning away from the things of this world. It is a birthright of peace, happiness and everlasting life; more wealth than can be found in the entire world. “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. 22:14. What will you do with Jesus’ birthright that He is offering you? Is it worth more to you than all the sinful pleasures and indulgences of this world? May God help us to appreciate the birthright that Jesus is offering to us and lay hold onto it. Soon, very soon, we will see the fulfilment of this promised birthright. “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Mat. 24:13. “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:11.
Amen

Wendy Eaton, Australia