I love the story of Jacob and Esau if you listen to most pastors they get it wrong. I recommend everyone go back and re read it for themselves. Genesis 25. Most pastors will make it sound like Jacob was devious, dishonest a thief. The two brothers were twins. The tradition was the older brother would receive the birthright. The birthright consisted of a blessing a type of anointing of a leadership role in the family along with possibly double the inheritance at least that's what I got. Esau willfully sold his title to this birthright.
If you back up to where Rachel, their mother asked God why her baby seemed to be wrestling within her. God told her why, he told her they were twins. God knew the nature of Jacob and Esau while in the womb. This one is a bit perplexing if you think about it. Yes I know he's God he knows everything but remember he also gave us a free will to make choices he didn't decide that one boy would be good and the other would be bad. He didn't create a yin and yang within Rachel. And no I don't believe that philosophy that good needs bad as bad needs good to exist. If that were true that's saying and I've heard others say God needs satan they need each other they work together. That is so warped. Remember it's written in Revelations that God will punish satan later. That's the only reason satan is allowed to remain in existence He is all that is good so he cannot break his word and say ok that's the last straw you've gone too far this time. He will wait and take care of it later.
God knew the nature of Esau he knew he "Esau despised his birthright." Held it in low regard, it didn't matter too much to him. How could anyone despise a blessing from God and look at it as if it were nothing?? God was merely giving the blessing to the son who appreciated it one who would consider it an honor. No matter how little Jacob paid for it he still had Esau's promise to give it to him for soup. If you sell someone a car for $1 and sign over the title it's still a binding contract or sale. Why is this any different? Since when is it ok to Welch on an agreement? Why do pastors accuse Jacob of being dishonest. I didn't read that in Genesis that's their own opinion. Was Isaac aware of the sale of the birthright? Rachel knew...
Well we all know the rest of the story Jacob did have to trick Isaac into giving the blessing to him. Then when Esau found out and was furious wanted to kill Jacob. Jacob fled and went no contact he walked away from the inheritance. All he left with was the clothes on his back and the blessing he just got. He stayed away even after both parents had passed. God blessed Jacob even though he didn't get a dime of his inheritance. I think one reason greedy pastors (pro$perity doctrine) don't get this story right is because; they're all about money. They think Jacob's motive was the inheritance when actually it was the BLESSING!! Esau didn't think too much of the blessing he despised it. He got what he wanted was the money. Years later when Jacob went to see Esau he was for happy he got what he wanted and the reason he was going to kill Jacob was the money not the blessing. Today's prosperity pastors aren't looking for God's blessings they are after the inheritance or money. To them it's who has the bigger mansions who has the bigger jet. They have little regard for the blessing like Esau.
Esau yes hated the blessing and had no interest in it. Isn't that true of today's narcs. They don't care about being saved or becoming adopted children of God. They want the goodies of the world now. you are right about those greedy pastors who make it all about money, lands and success in this world.
ReplyDeleteIt'll be interesting to see how many pastors actually make it to heaven. I have a feeling there's many more charlatans than we realize.
DeleteA lot of today's world comes down to money. That's how people relate.
ReplyDeleteI wonder about reading the bible and taking money out of it. Won't sound the same anymore. It would read about love and value, and giving.
A lot of churches and pastors don't seem to get the "understanding" part. That we are not to lean on our own understanding, that is true, but that doesn't mean we are to become drones and never think. Because elsewhere in scripture we are to seek out understanding. Now this all put together gets pastors so confused they don't know what to do. This is something I've been pondering lately. When I attempt to think for myself, it is dangerous in normal church settings.
Like when someone who knows the bible, can't seem to see that it isn't just about following rules God sets out for us. There are reasons God has rules. Racing around in your car is illegal and wrong, but not just that, it can hurt or kill someone, but a lot of Christians will just say its wrong because God said so. They don't relate as to the why. Sure they might know the why, but it don't matter.
I realize I'm rambling a bit, but I see the narcissism in never understanding. Its like they can't.
I agree being a pastor now days is just a job option instead of a call of God. Money is their motive. It's disgusting they hurt so many do so much more damage. I've joked with my husband for years that a pastor, a used car salesman and an insurance salesman all look alike especially the televangelist. I know there are exceptions out there and I commend them for it.
ReplyDeleteCorrection: I called Jacob and Esau's mother Rachel her name was Rebekah. Rachel was Jacobs wife's name sorry for the mix up.
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