A Day-by-day devotional

February 25, 2023

A bowl of soup

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Numbers 9-10

Scripture of the Day: Genesis 25:29-34

Comfort food is one thing we go to whenever we feel the blues or there’s something about the weather. Having been influenced by the places I’ve lived in, I have one prized comfort food – soup. My favorites include the super hearty Dutch Erwtensoep (pea soup), the delicious German Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup), and the one that hits home – the Filipino sopas (chicken noodle soup).

Esau, Jacob‘s twin, also had a thing for pea soup. In fact, he gave up his birthright for one bowl of soup when he was ravishing. In ancient Israel, birthright refers to the privilege that a person has from birth, as the eldest son, to inherit his father’s possession and authority. These include, among others, a double portion of material inheritance, and if the father is king, his throne.

Although they were twins, Esau was born before Jacob, even though the latter is known to have held on to his brother‘s heel at the time of their birth, as though preventing him to be delivered into the world first. As such, Esau had every right to inherit more of what belonged to their father. But in a spur of the moment, Esau preferred to satisfy his grumbling stomach than protect his birthright. In exchanging his birthright for a bowl of pea soup, he violated the sacredness of the law set by God. For the sake of temporary gratification, he threw away something that is holy, important and godly.

As the Father’s only begotten Son, Jesus bears the highest birthright. He is appointed heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2). And through our confessed faith in Him, by God’s grace, we are considered Jesus‘ co-heirs (Romans 8:17). Having been saved through faith, we are the Father’s adopted children.

Therefore, whatever belongs to Christ, belongs to us. He suffered on the cross, and as his followers, we suffer with him (Matthew 16:24-26). When He triumphed over death, His victory is also ours. His peace. His joy. His strength. All these also now belong to us.

We do not possess the birthright. Jesus does. But through God’s generosity, and because of Jesus‘ sacrifice, Jesus‘ birthright is extended to us.

Do not trade it for a bowl of comfort. Do not sell it for a bowl of soup.

Reflection: Would you give up your birthright for a bowl of soup? Or is it something you would never trade for anything in this world?

Prayer: Lord, you are ever gracious. I deserve none of the things that you have promised shall be my blessing. Through Jesus, I receive them. You be glorified forever! Amen.