Hairy arms get nothing...

Before reading this blog today, read the following sections from scripture: (link to online Bible)

Genesis 25:19-34 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%2025&version=31

Genesis 27:1-40 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%2027;&version=31;

This is the story of Jacob and Esau - two brothers. There is so much that we can draw from this story, but one of the main concepts illustrated here is that of the "firstborn."

Since Esau was the eldest son, or firstborn, he was entitled to a special blessing and inheritance from his father. In the ancient Jewish culture this was far more of an honor than simple words and possessions. People were willing to kill, or cheat and deceive their brothers, to get such a blessing. In this particular case, the son who received the blessing would have the Messiah as a descendant. I'd be pretty pumped if my great(38x) grandchild was the savior of the world!

Needless to say it was a great honor to be the firstborn and to receive that blessing. In Colossians 1:18, while speaking of the church(Ἐκκλησία, ekklesia), Paul refers to Christ as the Firstborn: he who has ownership over the church, one who gives blessing to the church and recieves blessing from the same.

How can the church bless Christ?

How has the church been a blessing of Christ to you?

Meditation: The words "church(ekklesia)" and "eclectic(eklektikos/eklegein)" share similar greek roots - how has the varied makeup of the body of Christ impacted the way you view and experience God?