How are you? How is your week going? Have you enjoyed the switch that happened in your life?

I’ve seen people trade in old things for new things. When my wife and I first got married, we were able to trade in an old vacuum for store credit, and we used that store credit to buy a new vacuum. That switch was so exciting.

We talked about a switch this past Sunday when Jacob exploited Esau’s hunger and exhaustion to gain his birthright. This was his brother in need, and yet Jacob did nothing to help him but instead forced his hand to switch birthrights with him.

Esau was just as sinful (if not moreso) in being so willing to give up that birthright. The author said that he despised it. He knew about the covenant that was tied to that birthright. He knew what it represented, and yet, he was willing to give it all up. This was because of his lack of faith.

Jacob at least knew the covenant. He desired the blessings and the promises of the covenant. Jacob’s value in desiring the birthright was right, but his method was wrong. And yet, God worked through man’s sin to display His sovereign wisdom and grace. It was part of His plan all along.

This switch points to the switch in our lives. Our birthright was one of death and judgment. Jesus’ birthright was one of life and righteousness. And yet, we are the ones who receive that life and righteousness, while Jesus received the death and judgment for us on the cross. We trade in our old selves in order to receive our new lives. It wasn’t that we tricked Jesus into handing over His birthright to us. He gladly laid it down and He gladly took ours up. It was because He loved us and He wanted to save us.

Take some time this week and reflect on the truth of this switch. This switch is our strength in the present, and it’s our hope for the future. It is the hope that extends through death. It is the hope that has secured for us a place with Christ for eternity.

See you on Sunday for Lord’s Day Worship! Continue to pray for one another.

In Christ,
Pastor Tim

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