Esau had profanely sold the birthright to Jacob; but Esau hopes he shall be never the poorer, nor Jacob the richer, for that bargain, while he preserves his interest in his father’s affections, and so secures the blessing. Here therefore we find how he was justly punished for his contempt of the birthright (of which he foolishly deprived himself) with the loss of the blessing, of which Jacob fraudulently deprives him.He also points out that we should take note of the infirmities of being older and that we must live life now because when we are old or deceased it will be too late and the work cannot be done.
Genesis 28: Matthew Henry writes of Jacob
He was blessed with plenty of corn and wine, and yet he went away poor, was blessed with government, and yet went out to service, a hard service. This was, 1. Perhaps to correct him for his dealing fraudulently with his father. The blessing shall be confirmed to him, and yet he shall smart for the indirect course he took to obtain it. While there is such an alloy as there is of sin in our duties, we must expect an alloy of trouble in our comforts. However, 2. It was to teach us that those who inherit the blessing must expect persecution; those who have peace in Christ shall have tribulation in the worldKrista, he goes on to write that God's Providences oftentimes contradict his promises; however, in the end you will see the promise. This made me think of your supplemental comment today.
Galatians 4: Matthew Henry points out
The apostle, in this chapter, is still carrying on the same general design as in the former-to recover these Christians from the impressions made upon them by the judaizing teachers, and to represent their weakness and folly in suffering themselves to be drawn away from the gospel doctrine of justification, and to be deprived of their freedom from the bondage of the law of Moses. For this purpose he makes use of various considerations.For the greatest part is indicates what the conversion of the Judaizers to Christians has done for them.
So, Krista this brings me back to your comments of today, you didn't think you would escape that did you? I agree that my profession can directly contrast God's laws. I work to promote Man's laws. (I'm an attorney, in case you don't know.) There are times when Man's laws conflict (for example - Texas versus Canonical law), but the answer lies not in the promotion of Man's law. As we see in today's readings, Isaac was passing along a traditional law by blessing Esau, but God had promised Rebekah that Jacob would be blessed, and he was. The question for me is, in any given situation, "did I treat the other people with dignity, respect -- how I would want them to treat me." And various other considerations. I think the "good old boys" call it professionalism, I think that they were more in tune with their Christianity and less concerned with being fast and furious.
So, I think you are right that the faith and "Christian-like" goodness is in our hearts, but God tests us and if are true in our faith, we will reap the grace He has given us. I knew Paul wouldn't leave us hanging for too long. Hasta Manana!
Life is for the living. I Love it. And I love your understanding. The question for all of us is are we focused on the right things? We worry so about some things and being Christian in our choices. We need to have Faith that God has already made us his children. Our choices born directly from contemplation in our hearts and with God are the right choices. This is an easy thing to say. Not so easy to live, when EVERY body seems to question them. It would be easy to just put our foot down and say this is how I feel, but we know that is not an absolute answer. For as surely as we make up our minds, something comes along to make us reflect on that choice.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of your profession, I always think you choose the higher path. There is just a lot blocking that path between the law itself and the pleading stories in between.