Conflict and Struggle

Darien Parker, Pastor Renee Ford, Mary Bunge

This morning’s message was about conflict and struggle. In Genesis 25: 19-34, Esau gave his brother, Jacob, his birthright for a cup of red lentil soup.

In the story, Isaac and Rebekah were married 20 years before Rebekah gave birth to twin boys, Esau and Jacob. Esau was born first, all red and hairy, and Jacob, clinging to Esau’s heel, was born second. As Rebekah carried the twins, they wrestled in her womb, like two disagreeing nations. Esau became a skilled hunter and Jacob was a quiet man who stayed close to the tents.

One day, Esau came back to the tents and was exhausted from hunting. He said he was so hungry he would do anything for a bowl of red lentel soup that Jacob had been preparing. Jacob, seeing that Esau would do anything to satisfy his hunger, told Esau he would give him a bowl of red lentil soup if Esau would give him his birthright. Esau, who was famished and felt near death, agreed to give Jacob his birthright. The birthright meant that Jacob would become the leader of the family and receive twice as much inheritance.

This story helps me understand that all conflicts and struggles may not have immediate solutions, but my choices may make the outcomes different.  I am grateful for my family, my church family, and my friends for their support and friendship. 

Thank someone who has blessed you.

Have a great week.

Pastor Renee Ford is the pastor for Grays United Methodist Church, Houserville House of Hope, and Woodycrest United Methodist Church. She is also an Instructional Designer for the Department of eLearning Design and Innovation Group in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State.