Friday, Ordinary 19, Proper 14, Aug 8

Esau and Jacob Reconciled Live in Harmony

Image from page 35 of “Bible primer, Old Testament, for use in the primary department of Sunday schools” (1919), Internet Archive Book Images CCL flickr

Meditation

Friday, Ordinary 19, Proper 14, delved into the activities of the ‘second string’ so to speak. The Old Testament lesson told of Esau and his family. After Jacob and he had reconciled, they continued to farm near each other. But their wealth and success in flock management resulted in there being too much to sustain on the land. Esau took his wives and children and moved south into the land which was called Edom or Seir (the location in the desert where Moses would see the burning bush).

Esau would not carry the blood that would lead to the Christ child, but periodically his history would be told, because he and his line would play a role in history.

The New Testament lesson spoke of an educated young Jew of Alexandria, Apollos, who spoke up in the synagogue in Ephesus about the importance of the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila took him under wing and showed him the ways of Jesus. He became an ardent follower and even more boldly preached in the synagogue, arguing that the Messiah truly was Jesus by using the Old Testament Scriptures. He was not Paul, but his influence was great. He captivated audiences and enthralled many in the synagogue by his skill at debate. Above all, he was blessed by God and through the grace of God, he was able to influence many.