Where do you fall in the birth order of your parents’ children? What difference does it make? Going back to Alfred Adler, Murray Bowen and other psychologists have studied the effect of sibling position or birth order in a family. First born siblings often take on certain characteristics. Middle children and youngest children may also inherit certain patterns with their order of birth. Likewise, only children. What does you birth order position say about who you are?
In our study of Genesis, we have noticed the importance of birth order in Abraham’s family. Remember the eldest received the birthright and the blessing. At least in theory, this was the practice. But for some reason God subverted this time and again. Instead of using the firstborn, he purposely chose a younger sibling to carry the blessing into the next generation. He chose Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau. Still, being the firstborn carried both privilege and responsibility.
When Tamar gave birth to her boys, the mid-wife wanted to be sure the firstborn was recognized. Zerah’s hand emerged and was marked by a scarlet thread. It looked like he would be the firstborn twin. Instead, his brother Perez was first to be born and Zerah became the second born. But they were twins. Why did it matter if one was born minutes before the other? One minute was enough to mark Perez as firstborn. Again, Murray Bowen and others have noted that a younger twin often assumes the role of the younger sibling naturally. We may know exceptions to the rule.
Out of Judah’s five sons, Perez became the ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ. He enjoyed firstborn privileges in Tamar’s descendants, but he was Judah’s fourth born son. God chose him, born out of questionable circumstances, to be the one whose family line led to David and Jesus.
What does this mean for us? If the Lord and our family entrust greater responsibility to us, we may accept that opportunity to be good stewards of our influence. But if we come later in the line, we may choose like a middle child to become a peace maker, or as a youngest to find creative freedom. But God is not bound by the order of our birth. David’s father Jesse did not even invite him to the anointing party for the next king. As the youngest, he tended the sheep while Samuel perused the possibilities of his older brothers. But God who does not look at outward appearance and customs of men chose David to be shepherd of his people Israel. This same God has chosen each of us to fulfill his will in our lives and in the world. Live in that blessing today!
