“Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.” (Genesis 25:14) Esau despised his birthright. He scorned it; treated it as something contemptible.
We, as believers, also have a birthright.
We have a right to eat at the altar whereof the priests and Levites had no right. “We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.” (Hebrews 13:10) The priests and Levites served in a sanctuary where the blood of animals was sprinkled upon the altar. We partake of the altar where the blood of Christ was shed for our sins. We have a right to partake of the body and blood of the perfect Lamb.
In heaven, we will also have the right to partake of the tree of life. This privilege, which Adam and Even enjoyed in the garden of Eden, was taken away when they sinned. “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.” (Revelation 22:14)
As children born of God, we enjoy many other privileges.
We may come boldly before God’s throne to petition Him for our needs. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
Our names are written in heaven, in the Lamb’s Book of Life. “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)
We have a right to enter the kingdom of God. “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
We will receive an inheritance. “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.” (Ephesians 1:11)
This barely touches the many privileges and rights that we may enjoy because of the new birth. Lord, may I never despise this wonderful birthright.
~J. L. T. Y.