June 15, 2009

Genesis 30 and 31
Matthew 11

Genesis:
You may have noticed a theme by now. The women in Genesis (and elsewhere) are barren. And their barrenness is framed theologically. Which means that it is God who opens their womb. Their children are gifts from God. There also seems to be an implied connection between fertility and faith.

While we would also say that children are gifts from God, we would not say that a lack of children is a sign of God's disfavor. I do encourage you to watch for such language, especially in prayer language. While we do believe that all things are possible in prayer, the reality is that bad outcomes are not the result of a bad prayer life.

And notice, in these barrenness passages, that the characters are faithful people. It seems as if their fertility functions as a reminder of God's provision. Everything we have, every little thing, comes from God.

Also, like his predecessors, Jacob does not provide a role model for "Biblical marriage" either. But he does out-trick his trickster uncle Laban. Does anyone know more about animal husbandry so that his methods make sense?

Matthew:
Jesus gives an endorsement speech for John the Baptizer, making clear that the two of them are on the same mission. And the crowds that followed John around, but didn't listen to his message, come up for severe rebuke. In this gospel, it is appalling to Matthew that the people who were supposed to be ready for their Messiah, who should have recognized John the Baptist and Jesus--the Jewish leaders--did not. Their lack of faith is contrasted with how "outsiders" would have responded to the same situations. Had Sodom seen the signs and miracles that these people had seen, the city would still be standing!
So, it is jarring to read, at the end of this strong rebuke, this phrase: "Come to me, all you tha tare weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart...."(28,29)