Heluhelu Baibala/ Bible Reading

“ ʻŌlelo maila ka ʻānela o ke Akua iaʻu ma ka moeʻuhane, ‘E Iakoba,’ ʻī akula au, ‘Eia wau.’- Kinohi 31:11

The angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ I answered, ‘Here I am.’- Genesis 31:11

He Manaʻo o ke Kahu Manu Naeʻole, KSK ‘96

God gives people gifts, and one of God’s gifts to brothers worldwide is the gift of annoyance. We brothers worldwide, are intuitively great at annoying our siblings. We play many little games, but Copycat is near the top. It’s simple and effective. Copycat is acting out of every action of a sibling, including hand waves of frustration, and repeating every word uttered by our sibling, including some that are not so flattering. We emulate our siblings in all ways.

Abraham’s family is a family of copycats in good and less-than-good ways. God calls out to Abraham, and Abraham’s reply is three simple words, “Here I am” (Gen 22:1). Jacob copies his grandfather’s words as he flees from Laban. An angel of God calls out to him in a dream, and Jacob replies with the exact words of his grandfather, “Here I am” (Gen. 31:11). Abraham’s family copied him in harmful ways as well. Abraham’s fear of Abimelek leads Abraham to attempt deception and lies as he tells Abimelek that Sarah is his sister and not his wife (Gen. 20:8-11). Isaac takes up the same deceit and lies as his father when Isaac tells Abimelek that Rebekah is his sister and not his wife (Gen 26:7).

The annoying brother who copies everything, the harmless arm wave, and the ridiculous words, is the family of Abraham. Abraham’s offspring mimicked the good and bad of their patriarch. Whom are you copying? Who are you following? Are we following in doing good deeds, or are we following in lies and deception? Jesus compels those who follow him to a call of humility, grace, and love as he stooped to wash the feet of the disciples (John 13:14). Jesus calls us to copy his attitude of service. As Jesus calls, let us copycat Abraham and Jacob, and reply, “Here I am, Lord.” ‘Āmene.

TAGS
our faith,daily devotional,christian values

CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Themes, Culture, Community, Hawaii Newsroom, KS Hawaii Home, Kapalama Newsroom, Kapalama Home, Maui Newsroom, KS Maui Home, Newsroom, Kapalama, Maui, Preschools, Faith, CRED News (Not on Frontpage), Hawaii campus, Kapalama campus, Maui campus

Print with photos Print text only