Category: Scripture

Was the Bible Written to Me? A Bothersome Question.

On By Don Schiewer JrIn Equality, Family, Scripture, TheologyLeave a comment

Let’s be clear to who and what the “Me” (Don) is referring:

  • 1st World
  • American
  • Male
  • Affluent
  • Caucasian/Anglo
  • Straight
  • Educated
  • Able Bodied

I’m certain we could add to that list…but what this list does indeed point to is a great deal of privilege, power, and control over my environment.

Was the bible written to a people of privilege?
Was the bible written to a people in power?
Was the bible written to a people in control of their environment?

It was not! This isn’t even debatable. The bible was written to a people who historically experienced the exact opposite identifiers.

So what’s the danger of assuming the bible is written to me?

Continue reading “Was the Bible Written to Me? A Bothersome Question.” →

Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23.1 – 25.18)

On By Don Schiewer JrIn Scripture1 Comment

…to Abraham as a possession…

Sarah has passed. Isaac is unmarried. Abraham is still a “sojourner and foreigner among” the inhabitants of Canaan.

Where is the promise?

God had made a promise to Abraham that he would be the father of all nations, that his descendants would be more numerous than the stars in the sky. God also promised Abraham that He would give him the land of Canaan.

Would God “remember Abraham” now?

This moment is heightened because of the death of Sarah; after all she is whom the promise was to come through…with her passing there is now only Isaac. Still there is no land. Abraham is wealthy but still living in a tent – but Sarah provides for her love one more time. A field to be buried in! In her death, Sarah, becomes the first Hebrew resident of Canaan. A plot of land is purchased and Sarah is laid to rest deep within the comfort of the LORD’s promise of land and descendant(s).

With time closing its eyes on Abraham a bride is needed for Isaac. Though, this time, it is the prayer of his servant and not Abraham’s that the LORD hears. A woman of great hospitality and generosity is found. She will now be the hope of the promise for Abraham.

God remembered His promise to Abraham, and as Abraham’s life comes to an end, the LORD allows him to glimpse the fulfillment – a piece of land, and a wife for Isaac.