Jacob’s firstborn son Reuben was entitled to a “double portion” from his father – twice as much as his brothers (Deuteronomy 21:17). But Reuben lacked nobility. He was a moral coward. He profaned his father’s marriage bed. Reuben ought to have been the first and best expression of his father’s virtues, but his immorality prevented him from realising his potential.
Jacob prophesied, “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power…” But Jacob added, “…unstable as water, you shall not excel…”
“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:6) God gave the double portion Reuben would have had to the single-minded Joseph. Moreover, instead of Joseph fathering a single tribe, he would father two: Ephraim and Manasseh – a double portion! (Genesis 49:3; 1 Chronicles 5:1, 2)
Reuben, the firstborn son of Leah (whom Jacob had been deceived into marrying), lost the birthright because he failed to excel. Joseph was the firstborn son of Rachel, Jacob’s true love. (In the end, it was as though the infamous bride-switch had never happened.) God’s actions are based on His foreknowledge. He can straighten out a ‘human corkscrew’ who will do all he can in order to get God’s blessing, but He can pass over a man or a woman who cares little for Him or for His anointing.
So, be a single-minded ‘Joseph’ — not a double-minded ‘Reuben’!