Tag: My Thoughts

Must be nice…

On By Don Schiewer JrIn Blessing, Family, LivingLeave a comment

You’re probably familiar with this phrase or some close derivative of it:

  • x,y,z never happens to me…
  • I’d do anything to have something like this…
  • Wish I were so lucky…
  • I never win/get anything…

I’m sure you could add several other ones to this list. We’re all guilty of these types of responses and have been the recipient of them as well.

 

With social media taking the place of so many other forms of communications these types of statements seem to be on the rise. I think it is due to a couple of things. First, we’ve become much like the ancient Egyptians where we only record our victories (successes and positives) as opposed to a balanced view of our personal history/story. Secondly, when we encounter our social media threads we find ourself envious of the ideal life that we’ve pieced together from all the ‘great‘ things happening in everyone’s lives around us.

What would it look like if our first responses to good news for others was NOT to compare our own situation but instead to celebrate the favor that they’ve gained?

Our behavior on social media often reminds me a bit of a biblical story of ‘The Prodigal Son‘ where the one brother returns and the other’s response is something along the lines of, “but I never get to…” When we insert ourselves into these moments for other people we’re often guilty of stealing some of the joy, redemption, happiness that they were to receive. Just imagine if the older brother’s response would’ve been to contribute to the party and celebration as opposed to detracting from the moment?

So let’s challenge one another to celebrate the good that befalls our neighbor, cherish the moments of success of our friends, heap gladness onto the fortune of our family members. Let’s learn to bask in the glow of each others joy.

 

Toldot (Genesis 25.19-28.9)

On By Don Schiewer JrIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The children struggled together…

A new chapter in the history of our faith begins with this introduction of yet another set of brothers – Jacob and Esau. They are introduced to us in the midst of a wrestling match – yet in the womb of their mother, Rebekah.

Why has the author chosen for us to be introduced to these two brothers, in this way? Not by name or by promise but by their struggle with each other. Even their names are about the current moment, not their future hope.

The battle in the womb is the precursor of two lives enmeshed in fighting and discord. Even beyond that of two lives to two peoples – Edom and Israel. These brothers (as it seems with most brothers in the Text) find themselves at odds from day one (or in this case – earlier).

What do we find in this portion? What we do find is the beginnings of the echoes we will encounter in the Text in the coming weeks. Mistaken identity, eye problems and wrestling matches are but a few of the reverberations we will hear.

We also hear some echoes from previous portions: Wives as sisters, famines and Egypt, barrenness, siblings fighting, and hunters. Why were these important to the author? What story is God telling behind the story? What do these connections have to do with what God is doing within His creation?

In addition there are some strange happenings with Rebekah: God reveals His plans to Rebekah not Isaac, Rebekah, like Sarah,tries to make God’s promise come to fruition through her own doing, and Rebekah is ultimately the one who finds a bride(s) for Jacob. Why? 

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.