Let’s talk about momentary distress that can cause a giving over of our birthrights if we are not careful.

 

For some, when the going gets tough, we tuck tail and run. We decide it’s not worth the effort and perhaps even reason that since it’s hard and costly it’s not God. Am I right?

 

Let’s look into a sad story to me of Jacob and Esau. Genesis 25:29-34.

 

Esau came in from working in the field and was very weary. Just like we would do, he asked for some of the stew that Jacob had prepared. I’m sure he was relieved to feed his tummy after a long day’s work. He was probably like most of us and so grateful he didn’t have to come home from work and then also prepare a meal. Thus extending the workday even more.

 

Look at sneaky ole Jacob:

 

But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.”

 

Esau says, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me.”

 

First, isn’t that a bit melodramatic? “I’m about to die.” Maybe he felt Jacob was just kidding around, and he just wanted something to eat already.

 

But this is how cunning the enemy is when we are weary.

 

Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So Esau swears to him and sells his birthright to Jacob.

 

To “swear” in this passage means to “bind oneself” or to make an “oath.”

 

Here’s the thing. That stew was good, but it only lasted a moment. The flesh was full, but his spirit was lacking his purpose.

 

“Thus Esau despised his birthright.”

 

Esau did have a choice in the matter, but he did not choose wisely. He traded a moment of weariness and instant gratification for a lifetime of what was to be his divine purpose and calling.

 

You, and I, can do the same if we are not careful. We can give in to the weariness of working the fields and let the enemy talk us into selling our birthrights, or we can vow to stay the course.

 

However, know this; it’s a dangerous thing to come into agreement with or to bind yourself to anything that is meant to deceive you into selling your inheritance.

 

Make your vows only to Jesus, staying bound to His heart and calling on your life.

 

Here is a prayer to break vows and oaths of deception:

 

I pray in Jesus name right now that every vow or oath I’ve made knowingly or unknowingly with anything or anyone opposing God’s birthright for my life is now canceled in Jesus name. I pledge my full loyalty to Christ and His desires for my life, no matter how hard it may get or how much it may cost me.

 

I now separate myself from every illegal contract and vow that was not approved by God. I rip it up in the spirit and call it now VOID. I align my heart, will, emotions, and my future with the will of God only. Furthermore, I now come into agreement with Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.

 

I am betrothed to the heavenly bridegroom and to Him, alone, I pledge my life. Every promise from Him is yes and amen. I stand before Heaven under the blood of Christ and bow to His authority only as His bride.

 

In Jesus name.

Amen