Page 72 - Gods Plan of the Ages

The Old Testament reveals the special significance of the firstborn male.

Genesis 49:3
Reuben, you are my first-born; My might and the beginning of my strength, preeminent
in dignity and preeminent in power.

Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob. In what is spoken of him we can discern the
role God has chosen for the firstborn. What does it mean to be "preeminent in dignity and
preeminent in power"? The word preeminent is defined as "surpassing all others."
Yahweh was showing forth through a natural type a profound truth of the kingdom
of God. There will be firstborn sons of God, and there will be latter born sons. The firstborn
will be preeminent among all others. Attaining to the number of the firstborn is a goal every
Christian should strive towards.
The Bible reveals that receiving the honor and distinction of the firstborn was
something that could be lost due to walking unworthily. The honor could be given to a latter
born son who distinguished himself. Although Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob
according to natural birth order, the rights and privileges of the firstborn were lost to him
and given to Joseph.

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

Reuben had illicit sexual relations with his father's concubine Bilhah.

Genesis 35:22
It came about while Israel was dwelling in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah
his father's concubine, and Israel heard of it.

Note: Yahweh changed Jacob's name to Israel.

Jacob declared that Reuben was "uncontrolled as water." This testimony reveals that
he had no self-control. Water flows through the path of least resistance. It cannot restrain
itself. It will always sink lower and lower, unless an outside force restrains it. This is the
condition of sinful man. Man will debase himself unless restrained. Reuben could find
nothing within himself to restrain his fleshly impulses. Even when he knew that his actions
would bring great shame and dishonor to his father, this knowledge did not prove adequate
to cause him to rule over his sinful desires.
Certainly there is in this a great parable for Christians today. There are many who are
born again of the Spirit of Christ who continue to live carnal (fleshly and sensual) lives.
Even though their lack of self-restraint and personal denial are dishonoring to the Father,
they do not find within themselves the will to rule over their souls. They are unrestrained.
They follow whatever course their soul and sinful flesh presents to them. In so doing, these
ones are disqualified as firstborn sons. These ones will not attain to the first resurrection.
In Joseph, the eleventh born son of Jacob, we see another spirit. Joseph loved his
father more than his brothers. When Jacob sent his sons out to tend the flocks, we find that
Joseph remained at home with his father. There was a special bond and fellowship between