Birthright discussions from Friday group

We know that in the Middle East a birthright is primogeniture or right of the first-born.  What primogeniture means is: A system of inheritance in which land passes exclusively to the eldest son.

We discussed how Rebekkah asked the Lord why there was such a struggle with the babies in her belly.  We read in Genesis where the Lord answered her question:
 

"Two nations are in your womb; and two peoples will be separated from your body; and one people shall be stronger than the other;  and the older shall serve the younger."

We then discussed how families fight over inheritances if the deceased has not specified the details.  We all know that bitterness even pops up when this is done.

We also discussed that while Love and Peace "should" be given by others it is their free will to give it or not.  We spoke about proper boundaries being althought we do our part and offer Love and Peace if it is 1)not accepted 2) not freely given our rights may not cross into the "colliseum" where the great cloud of witnesses are to battle out till death the winner of the spoils. 

We looked at the interplay between Esau and Jacob, the parental riff of favorites and how that builds the character of individuals.  We discussed how God had told Rebekkah the end before it even started.  We asked questions to journal about:  Was God simply being omnipresent and stating the facts or was this His best plan and good will for the siblings? 

We had discussion about Esau not respecting his birthright and giving it away from lentil soup.  So in essence maybe it is inaccurate to blame Jacob for taking what was given - Esau was perfectly capable of doing some prep work on his kill for the day.  Maybe he was just being lazy - Maybe he just didn't think it was his job and expected Jacob to do it for him - Maybe he didn't think it would eventuate even if he said it, after all he WAS daddy's favorite AND the oldest.

We discussed that if Jacob really believed it was his why did he feel he couldn't just walk into his dads tent and say - "Hey pops, seems you forgot Esau gave the birthright which is a blessing to me - and we know we can't be double minded!) 

We also read Romans 10:1-

Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have (A)a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about (B)God's righteousness and (C)seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For (D)Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to (E)everyone who believes. For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law (F)shall live by that righteousness. But (G)the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: "(H)DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, 'WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN?' (that is, to bring Christ down), or 'WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE (I)ABYSS?' (that is, to (J)bring Christ up from the dead)." But what does it say? "(K)THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that (L)if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and (M)believe in your heart that (N)God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

For the Scripture says, "(O)WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."

We discussed if all of them had of lived in peace and trust of God's word, given Love and Peace to each other as they journey through out their days in faith that His will is good, perfect AND pleasing.  All this would have allowed Issace to die in peace - but can you imagine THIS being your last will and testiment to your family legacy?  I don't know about you but I would be ready to check out of this family and move forward, what about you?

I pray that we all not depend on our understanding and scheming to manipulate how to "come into" our inheritance - but that we lean on God's understanding and trust that He is continually working out our journey - moment by moment.  For this is the New Day that the Lord had given and we will rejoice in its new mercies and grace day by day.   

We can extend love and peace however, if we start manipulating actions in order to coerce them into receiving them we will be walking into the colliseum with all those witnesses watching up as we beat them up with all our goodness in our attemts.  Isn't that Ludacris?????

Kisses,
Candace