THE BIRTHRIGHT
by Pastor Don Elmore
September 22, 2019
Scripture Reading: Malachi 2:11
Today, I will be a history teacher. The purpose of this sermon is to let everyone know why I believe that Judah “married a daughter of a strange god.” It is not to change anyone’s mind, for that is up to God. It is not to have a sermon for and a sermon against. It is a sermon that says: We agree to disagree on this situation. I want everyone to know why I believe that Judah married a Canaanite. If you believe this or don’t, well just let it go.
Genesis is the beginning. It tells of the covenant that God unconditionally made with one man. This covenant, the Bible tells us, was passed on to who was considered the firstborn. Who was Abram’s firstborn? It was Ishmael.
Now who does the Bible tell us who the covenant is confirmed to: Ishmael or Isaac?
Abram loved Ishmael his firstborn son. The Bible promises that Ishmael will be blessed of God, and will be fruitful, and will beget twelve princes, and will be a great nation, but God’s covenant will not be established with him.
Genesis 17:21: “But My covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.”
The Bible tells us that the covenant would be with the son of Abram whose name was change to Abraham, and Sarai whose name was changed to Sarah, not the son of Abram and Hagar. The Bible then continues in the story of who would be the next heir. Isaac had twin boys. Which one was the firstborn? When Isaac was 60 years-old, his wife, Rebekah, gave birth to Esau and Jacob. Which one did Isaac love? Or did he love them both equally?