July 12, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for July 12th: Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9,18-23 Theme: How do you receive the word of God? Matthew: I think that all of us have heard of the parable of the sower, but how many of us have really taken the time to think about what it means – how does it apply to our lives? There is a difference between a planter and a sower. A planter would plant the seeds and then take care of them in order to make sure that they grow. A sower just throws seeds out anywhere and leaves it up to nature for them to grow. In this story God is a sower throwing as much seed as possible out into the world. Unlike humans, God has the ability to get the plant to grow wherever they may be. Nevertheless, God knows that there are some environments more conducive than others for growth. Our hearts are the soil that helps the plant to grow into somethings productive to the world. In order for the seeds to grow we have to become the planter, nurturing and caring for that plant. Genesis: We are learning a lot about the family tree of the first family. Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob and Essau. It seems that barrenness also follows each generation. Now Rebekah is not able to conceive. Once again when she does conceive it is a blessing. She gives birth to twins. Obviously they are fraternal twins because they are very different in appearance and in personality. As the story progresses, they also have different destinies. Jacob actually is always after his brother, and finally does get his inheritance as the first born child. That becomes a huge responsibility to bear as we will learn. But he always remembers the bond of his brother, even when things are tough. Both become fathers of great nations. Unfortunately, history only follows Jacob. Questions: What type of nurturing do you provide for God’s word in your life? In life are you a planter or a sower? What would life be like if Essau had maintained his birthright? How does your relationship with family affect your faith?