CALL TO PRAYER
Topic: The Right of the First Born
By: Daniel Peter
Date: 14.07.2026
“The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father’s marriage bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright).”
— 1 Chronicles 5:1 (NIV)
In Hebrew culture, inheritance was closely connected to birth order. The firstborn son was entitled to a double portion of the inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). This inheritance was not limited to material possessions; it also carried spiritual privilege, leadership, and family responsibility.
The right of the firstborn positioned one as the leader of the family. Although this privilege naturally belonged to the eldest son, Scripture shows that it could be transferred if the firstborn acted contrary to God’s will. Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn by birth, yet because he defiled his father’s marriage bed, he forfeited his birthright, and the rights associated with it were given to Joseph (1 Chronicles 5:1).
One striking contrast between Reuben and Joseph is that both faced sexual temptation involving the wife of a father figure. Reuben sinned with his father’s concubine, while Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife. Potiphar was Joseph’s master and, in many respects, a father figure in whose household Joseph had been entrusted. Unlike Reuben, Joseph fled from temptation and remained faithful to God. Where Reuben failed, Joseph prevailed. Consequently, Joseph received the privileges of the firstborn, symbolised by the double inheritance through his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who each became tribes in Israel.
Under the New Covenant, access to the rights of the Firstborn is no longer determined by natural birth order but by our union with Christ. Jesus Christ is “the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15) and “the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). Through faith in Him, we are brought into the family of God and become part of “the church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23). In Christ, we become heirs of God and co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17), giving us access to the privileges and inheritance reserved for God’s children.
However, enjoying this inheritance requires that we walk in the character of Christ. Jesus taught that true greatness is expressed through humility and service:
“Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.”
— Mark 10:43–44 (NKJV)
The position of the first is the position of the greatest, and the pathway to that position is humility demonstrated through sacrificial service. Let us guard our hearts, remain faithful to God, and embrace the lifestyle of Christ so that we may fully walk in the inheritance He has made available to us.
Prayer Points
- Thank God for His Word and for making you an heir through Jesus Christ.
- Ask the Lord to help you walk in humility and faithfully serve Him and others.
- Pray for the grace to overcome every temptation that could rob you of your spiritual inheritance.
The books The Process the Blood Went Through, Subjecting the Flesh and Angels: How to Attract Angelic Assistance by Daniel Peter are available for purchase on:
Amazon
https://amzn.to/3OoXchD
Selar
https://selar.com/m/daniel-peter1060560
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