Feedback about these homilies informs me that many topics I write about are unusual. My material seems to not be the regular sermon fodder. I guess my travel and intermingling with many folk stimulates different insights.
But I am intrigued at a common theme. Much of the Bible is not talked about. There is a disproportional focus, investigation and teaching of scripture. There is an uneven representation of what The Book teaches (or doesn’t teach!). For instance:
- There are hundreds of chapters which unfold the role of governance, providing data on good management functions. Yet who has ever preached or heard preaching on the subject?
- Money is a major topic of information in scripture. Nearly one quarter of Jesus parables deal with finances. There is lots of data on how business should utilize money. But all we talk about is tithing and giving offerings. There is little focus on information about budgeting, paying wages, receiving wages, spending income.
- Sabbath keeping is a prominent subject in Scripture but is largely left out as being inconsequential.
- Spirit, soul and body – we give lip service to this but have no understanding on the relationship between these three dynamics, or even on Holy Spirit’s interaction with them.
- Trinity, a term not found anywhere, has a highly developed theology with dissertations, books and debates included!
Another subject that is whole heartedly ignored is ‘birthright’. Birthright is a continual stream of thought throughout scripture. And we need to identify it in order to live a fulfilled life. Yet most people raise quizzical eyebrows when I mention it. There is very little discussion because it is not a subject for sermons, books or teaching. It’s unheard of!
Definition of Birthright = this is the treasure of the ‘calling’ that God has proclaimed for you to possess. God uniquely designed you, prior to creation, to arrive at a precise time in history, to live for a specific period of time, and to enjoy an exquisite fulfillment that significantly enriches your life, the lives of others, and does the Kingdom the most good.
Birthright means ‘first right’. (It is illustrated in our human culture as a first born child getting a double portion of the inheritance. But every child gained their respective birthright inheritance.) God intends that birthright will give abundant life, instead of futility. Knowing and understanding our design, spiritual gifting and motivation brings a purpose that enables us to focus on acquiring our fulfilment. (Birthrights are not just individual but are awarded to nations as well. eg Israel had to fight to gain her birthright.)
God honours birthright but He does not exclusively follow endowing individuals with a particular inheritance. He sometimes supersedes it by awarding special birthright to those who didn’t deserve it, or weren’t in line.
- Cain lost his birthright and it was given to Seth.
- Solomon forfeited his, discovering consequences that were futile, so he concluded life was vanity.
- Esau despised his, because he depended on his soul to get him where he wanted to go.
- Rueben lost his. God also bypassed Simeon & Levi to end up with blessing Judah.
- Ephraim received one instead of his older brother Manasseh
Birthright can be lost, regained and/or cleansed. The fact that it is frequently the product of struggle may explain why it is so regularly untaught. The enemy is zealous to encourage mediocrity, maintaining status quo, and keeping purpose and achievement out of focus. Everyone has a calling / birthright / ordination. But very few have discovered what theirs is.
May you be blessed in the understanding that you are a very special person
designed, created and crafted by God your Father.
He thought extensively about you. Every detail about your body, organs and cells are the result of God’s thoughts. Every facet of your personality is the result of His kind intention.
“You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I will confess and praise You.
You are fearful and wonderful for the awesome wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.
My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret and intricately and curiously. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days of my life were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:13-16
(original post Jun 21 2015)
