In touch	Check-in	Intercessions
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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.

Did you ask God?

Do we check with the Author of our story before we start the next chapter? (Genesis 25:19-34)

 

Context

BBCInDepth has this month delved into this incredulity-inspiring phenomenon: Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) are preparing for life without a state pension. Financial experts are warning that this major shift in how young people prepare for their futures could prompt riskier investments, overly restrictive behaviour or even lead some to forgo saving altogether.

 

Reflection and ideas for a sermon, talk or conversation

Recently, my pastor and I had a discussion about something that was “a good idea, but not a God idea”.

Sometimes in life, when we judge with the eyes of our human understanding, it may seem sensible to head in a particular direction. But our field of vision is limited. God’s view into our future is infinite.

Investing money into cryptocurrency rather than a state pension you are not sure will exist by the time you retire might seem a wise, strategic move in the moment but, in 50 years, may be a choice that elicits regret. Exchanging his birthright for a bowl of stew seemed proportionate to Esau at the time! Yet it was a choice with indelible consequences.

The Bible tells us that if any of us lack wisdom, we can ask God directly, and He will supply the answer ‘generously and ungrudgingly’ (James 1:5). What a promise this is! Yet, how often do we dial up this 24-7 direct phone line to the Head of Heaven for advice on how to chart our course here on Earth?

It is clear that Esau did not solicit God’s opinion before giving away his greatest blessing.

What about his parents? We know that Isaac was guided by God in his choice of marital partner (Genesis 24). This week we see that he also drew God into their family planning.

We learn from our main passage that twenty years passed between the commencement of Isaac and Rebekah’s marriage and the birth of their twin sons. The pain of infertility becomes so great that Isaac pleads with God (v. 21) to grant him and Rebekah the children they earnestly desire.

We do not know whether God elucidates to Isaac why Rebekah has been unable to conceive up until that point, but we do know that after Isaac’s entreaty, she becomes pregnant.

I wonder: How long did it take before Isaac enquired of the Lord – as his wife does in order to uncover the cause of her complicated pregnancy (v. 22)? Might Jacob and Esau have been born earlier had he made use of his direct line to God sooner?

 

Questions for discussion

• Do you find it easy or difficult to consult God when it comes to making major life choices?
• Twenty years is a long time to wait for something you desire. When a promise seems slow in coming, should we perhaps be more eager to emulate Rebekah, in asking: If all is well, why […]? Could it be that we need God to grant us the eyes and ears to perceive what may be blocking us from receiving our blessing?

Ruth Akinradewo is a freelance writer passionate about “helping people to feel seen” and sharing with as many as possible the truth that they are loved and valued by God.

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

Today’s story raises so many issues and questions: Infertility and the God who answers prayer; sibling rivalry; parental favouritism; not to mention the story of two tribes of people torn apart in one moment in history. There is another element to this story which is helpful for us and the children and young people we engage with to consider: the question of instant vs. delayed gratification. In this story, a hangry Esau sells his birthright for a bowl of soup - a decision that will change his life, that of his family AND marks a significant moment in history with long term implications.

As we approach the end of term and the beginning of summer, our children and young people may not be giving away birthrights but decisions will be made about how they use their time, resources and opportunities. Resting and recharging is important but how do we make decisions that shape the way we spend the rest of our time off? Will our motivation be for the quick hit of dopamine or are we making choices mindful of the longer-term value?

Becky May is Tutor in Children’s and Families Ministry at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and Children, Youth and Families Mission Lead for Rural Missions.

 

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