Categories: uncategorized
Date: 12 January 2011 13:13:27
Yesterday was Gen 24:1 - 67. A passage on Isaac getting Rebekah as his wife. Interesting one this, although in a patriarchal society where things were basically arranged Rebekah was given a choice whether to go off to Isaac....Good practice is laid down in the bible! Oh and have realised Isaac was such a mummy's boy.
Today was Gen 25:1 - 36:35. Interesting reading this. Firstly Ishmael was there burying his father alongside Isaac. There was obviously a reconciliation at some point. Pity there is no biblical record of when / how this happened, would be facinating to know the ins and outs of that one.
Ishmael's sons were basically a set of brothers at each others throats. Isaac also had kiddie issues; twin boys who were like chalk and cheese. Interesting before we get into the nitty gritty on them that with Isaac there are clear echoes of his fathers story - two sons producing two nations, apparently barren wife giving birth, and trying to pass his wife off as his sister, etc.
As for the sons Isaac and Rebecka didn't have it easy, but you get the feeling they made their fair share of mistakes as parents too. Jacob was apparently more of a home boy whilst Esau was more of the outdoor type. Jacob however was no sissy....he used his skills in the kitchen to blackmail his brother out of his birthright. Then when they grow up Esau goes and gets two wives who cause his parents grief.
The bible, a soap opera for the pre-modern era which actually would make Eastenders look like a reasonable programme, treating issues sensitively. God did show up occassionally, but more of a family drama in these two episodes.
Then onto the new testament. Yesterday it was Matt 9:14 - 38. Facinating look at Jesus' relationship with the establishment. He was effectively an fluffy anarchist messiah messing with their heads by changing the rules but working within the system, teaching in their synagogues. He got the disciples not playing the game. He was a nightmare who made the "religious folk" unsettled. He was a mavrick they couldn't control.
Yet people had faith in him, people who were supposed to know better like the ruler who had amazing faith. This gospel also gives a briefer version of the hemorraging women who again had faith.
But the question was raised in these verses..."how much of our faith is actually desperation?"
NT today was Matt 10:1 - 31. Interesting one this. "Believe in me and your lives will go to s**t but it will be worth it in the end. Oh yeagh, by the way boys I'm sending you out on mission with no provisions and a warning that you will be arrested and persecuted. What you say will cause arguments and possibly deaths within families." Now on the plus side he does assure them that the Spirit will tell them what to say and how to react when they get arrested and in the end it will work out ok.....Um, nice one Jesus. Is this what you're still calling us to? If so I think I might need to go off and have a latte or two whilst I consider this one.
Nice bit at the end about the relationship between students and teachers / masters and servants. As a teacher it reminded me I am called to live with integrity.
Psalm 8:1-9 yesterday. Interesting in terms of how man has an important place ruling over creation. What responsibilities come with that one?
Proverbs
1:20 -33 Issues of rebuke and reward. V. different to Matthew and to be fair by the point I got to this my head was too full of my own family to think deep thoughts. Tomoz Third Party takes her first AS exam and heads off to find out what she's got herself in for as somebody whose got themselves on a supported progression scheme with the local uni, to try and get in and study Theology in 2012. (Um, what was that about Isaac following bits of Abraham's life). Tomorrow is also when TOH graduates and officially becomes Dr. TOH.
For a bit of fun I finish with the Chipmunks version of we are family.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1ZFn2WDV7w&feature=related[/youtube]