Genesis 25-28, Psalm 8

Jesus, help to understand your Word in light of your ultimate showcase of love and hope. Jesus help me to see your integrity and commitment to women in the midst of stories about Abraham calling wives concubines and men taking wives like they are property in the Bible. Jesus help me to see that the table is big enough for all of us despite Jacob stealing Esau’s birthright and blessing. Jesus help me to see that your ways of truth and compassion are better than Jacob and Rebekah’s shady ways. Jesus help me to see your true equality in spite of the blatant sexist patriarchy in the Bible. I’m beginning to really not like the Word. Our history is pretty messed up and ugly. Help me to not be defined by that ugly past not only from the Bible or in my own life, but by the renewal you have given me by showing me I am loved and worthy already. Jesus help me to see that you are mindful of all of us, created each of us specifically so you can care for each of us personally.