Contending for the firstborn child

Exodus 13:2 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, [both] of man and of beast: it [is] mine.

Bishop Gerald usually says Satan loves to claim the things which God has put a claim on. For example he said in the old testament that the every firstborn of animals, people, farmland is his. But have you realised that even the enemy has since the days of Adam directed his attacks on the firstborns?

Cain the firstborn of Adam and Eve was filled with jealousy because his offering was not accepted by God. Sibling rivalry is common when the children compare themselves amongst themselves. 

Fast forward to the story of Jacob and Esau.  Esau sold his birthright to Jacob who was younger because he was hungry. He saw no need of it since he was in deep hunger. He despised the inheritance that was meant to be his because of foolishness. He did not see far. That is likened to many who despise spiritual things. They look down on the blessing that comes from being a child of God. In the natural, if the firstborn sets a good example to the rest by getting saved, keeping themselves pure, working hard and they become prosperous, the younger will not find it hard to emulate such a one. But if the firstborn wastes their life and they turn out bad, the younger have to work twice as much to break the bad pattern set by the older. 

Firstborns, watch out to live responsible lives that others will live to emulate. In light if Cain's example watch out if you are a firstborn so that any root of bitterness should not come and attach itself to you because your siblings have surpassed you in some areas. You need help if you seem to be in such a place. The help is spiritual.

Further scriptures 

Exodus 4:23 And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, [even] thy firstborn.

Genesis 4:3-5 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

Genesis 25:29-34 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he [was] faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red [pottage]; for I [am] faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I [am] at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised [his] birthright.