July 5, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for July 5th: Genesis 24:34-38,42-49, 58-67; Psalm 45:10-17, Romans 7:15-25, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30: Theme: freedom Matthew: Matthew starts out by asking to what will I compare this generation? When he says generation, he is talking about all of the people that do not go to church. It is sort of like asking what is the world coming to. I think that as we look at the news, many of us are asking the same thing. It seems that going to church and having a sense of morals just does not make any sense. We have always had differences in opinion, but our whole world seems to be divided by those differences. Jesus is reminding us all that in the midst of our differences, he is what holds us together. We need to stay focused on Jesus and on what Jesus calls us to do. Where ever we find Jesus, we will also find peace. Genesis: So the story of the first family continues to the next generation. Right before this story, we learn that Sarah dies at 127. Legend says that Sarah died when she heard what Abraham tried to do to Isaac. Nevertheless, if Isaac is supposed to be the father of many generations, he first must have a wife. One of Abraham’s servants is sent to relatives to find a suitable bride. The servant is worried so he asks for God’s guidance. He then goes to Abraham’s brother in law and finds Rebekah – Laban’s daughter. She is willing to marry Isaac site unseen. They live happily ever after. So the promise of God is fulfilled to the next generation. Questions: What are your concerns about this modern generation? How do you think Jesus will show up in the problems of the world today? How is your families story similar to the family of Abraham? How is God’s promise of faithful servants still happening today?