A New Order

 

I came across a detailed article published in a parenting forum on Oldest Child Syndrome. In short, a term used to describe the personality traits and behavior patterns commonly observed in the firstborns of families.  

Naturally, the article captured my attention because I happened to be the oldest of four children. I have to admit, most character traits were definitely relatable. Here are a few... 

Firstborns: 

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  Are more likely to assume leadership and attempt to dominate 

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  Tend to be perfectionists and set higher standards  

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  May develop unhealthy competitive attitudes such as jealousy 

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  May become obsessive and controlling  

 

In present modern-day culture, birth order is almost entirely irrelevant. However, when we study ancient traditions, firstborns were entitled to leadership and influence. Even biblical characters were religiously assigned superiority and leadership based on their birth order. 

   

The biblical story of Esau and Jacob for instance.  

Esau was the firstborn to Isaac and Rebekah. Based on ancient belief, he was to become head of the family household and entitled to receive a double portion in the inheritance. He was also to receive a special ceremonial blessing from his father.  

It was simply the natural born privilege of all firstborns of that time. If you weren’t the firstborn you just might be out of luck.

But God was in the works of establishing a new order and hierarchy. One that would function contrary to any previously established man-made tradition. God reveals this to Rebekah just prior to the birth of her children. 

 

And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. 

In other words, there are two types of people groups that will come from you. One group will be stronger and superior, and it won’t follow the present elder-serve-the-younger tradition. 
 

Further on we find that Esau and Jacob did resemble two types of people.  

Esau’s group resembles people that live after the flesh, carnal. They are a group that live ignorant to God’s laws and commandments. They may know of God, but they compromise God’s laws in order to satisfy the desires of their flesh, as did Esau. Jesus calls them the “goats” of the flock. Some preachers call them the “Sunday Christians”.

While Jacob represents a people group after God’s spirit. Jacob’s life as a whole is a testament of a life submitted to the guidance of God’s holy spirit. This group seeks after God’s commands and lives according to his laws, daily. Jesus calls them the “lambs” of the flock.

God graciously changed the entire natural order of blessing.  Leaders and influencers will be those that live according to the spirit.

God also promises to bless and exalt all people like Jacob that submit under his ruling. Regardless of their birth order or any other inherited privilege.