Page 30 - Christ in You - The Hope of Glory

been his, but he disqualified himself, and the right of the firstborn was given to one who
excelled his brothers in purity and devotion to God, even Joseph.

Genesis 49:3-4
“Reuben, you are my first-born; My might and the beginning of my strength,
preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power. Uncontrolled as water, you shall not
have preeminence, because you went up to your father's bed; then you defiled it - he
went up to my couch.”

Reuben had sexual relations with Bilhah, the concubine of his father. This became
known to Jacob, and Reuben forfeited the honor and dignity of the firstborn. In place of
dignity he received shame. In place of power he was made weak. Another who was more
worthy took his place.
Consider the message of this event. Many Christians today are truly the children of
their heavenly Father. They could walk in all the preeminence of those who are the firstborn
from the dead. Yet many forfeit this right because of uncontrolled passions. In order to
satisfy some passion or desire of the flesh, they give themselves over to actions that are
disgraceful and should not be named among the saints of God. Little do these ones know
how much they are forfeiting. They will discover that their sin has been akin to that of Esau,
who for a bowl of stew sold his birthright to his brother Jacob. In the eyes of God, such a
trade is among the most grievous transgressions named among men.

Hebrews 12:15-17
See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God... that there be no immoral or
godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you
know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected,
for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

Reuben cast away the preeminence that would have been his for a single sexual
encounter with Bilhah. Esau sold his birthright to satisfy the momentary hunger of his belly.
Multitudes of Christians are making similar diabolical transactions in this hour. When they
stand before God they will see what they have forfeited. Like Esau they will cry out bitterly
with tears for God to allow them to receive the blessing reserved for the firstborn from the
dead. But God will not hear. God will not repent. Their choice will stand. Truly there will
be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth among the children of God on that day.
What is required in order to attain to the number of the firstborn? We know that one
will not be able to live as the majority of their brothers and attain this honor. There were
twelve sons of Jacob, but only one was chosen. This son was the eleventh born. He was
among the youngest, and he had a different spirit than his brothers. This son of Jacob was
spiritually minded, and he had an unusual attachment to his father. Joseph loved his father,
and his father loved him. After spending years in Egypt, Joseph’s thoughts were constantly
turned toward his father whom he loved.

Genesis 43:27
Then [Joseph] asked them about their welfare, and said, "Is your old father well, of
whom you spoke? Is he still alive?"