March 20, 2026

There's a pattern in the Old Testament of the birthright being given to another other than the firstborn. In some instances, this is because the sins of the firstborn, and in others it seems for no apparent reason.

Ishmael and Isaac, Esau and Jacob, Reuben and Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim.

I do not wish to imply that Ishmael or Manasseh did anything to lose their birthright, but I believe the pattern is given to symbolize that God's blessings are available to all who choose to receive them. They are not withheld because of who you are, what family or nationality you are born into, or any other reason.

There are two sides to this coin. First, we are all invited. Second, we cannot be as the Pharisees and the Zoramites (rameumptom) and assume we are better than others. We are here to serve - to love, share, and invite.

John the Baptist said:

Matthew 3

8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

And Christ himself said this when delivering the parable of the laborers in the vineyard:

Matthew 20

14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.