In John 10:1-21 Jesus told that he is the good shepherd, the gate for the sheep, there will be one flock and one shepherd, and the sheep hear and know his voice.
After Sarah’s death, in Genesis 25 Abraham married his concubine Ketorah, who had already borne him six children. Before his death he sent them all away with ample gifts and provisions but his inheritance he gave to Isaac. Isaac and Ishmael buried Abraham, and then Ishmael’s genealogy was written down. Finally is told the story of Jacob and Esau, and how Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew and some bread.
Genesis 26 tells of Isaac and Rebekah, how Isaac too said Rebekah was his sister, like father, like son. In spite of that lie God protected them, and the rest of the chapter deals with the eternal Mideast dispute: Water right
Today’s selection of chapters illustrates well the difference between Jesus, the good shepherd and the intrigues in the Old Testament. Jesus gives his sheep protection, pasture and he knows where the good water is. The still waters are often polluted. Abraham married his concubine, but he never let them be part of his inheritance. Isaac and Ishmael buried Abraham, but Abraham never married Hagar even though she gave birth to his firstborn child. Jacob was always a schemer, blackmailed Esau out of his birthright, and told Abimelech Rebekah was his sister, a blatant lie. In spite of that they came to an agreement of water rights.
Len Bilén's blog, a blog about faith, politics and the environment. 