Posts by Esau Oreso
A Liberating Sight
My late grandmother told my brother and me a story every time we were together. A story we never grew bored of. Nostalgically, she narrated how she and our mum overcame a traditional belief that perpetuated death in the community. According to the dominant traditional belief in the days we were born, twins were considered an evil omen to the family and community. Therefore, one of the twins was to be disposed of like garbage, left in the bushes to be consumed by wild animals, such as hyenas. My brother and I are fraternal twins.
Read MoreVigilance and Understanding
This parable draws parallels with the future kingdom of heaven, where the ten bridesmaids prepare to meet the groom. Ultimately, only half of them partake in the banquet, while the rest are denied access. This caution resonates with the preceding chapter, urging disciples to remain watchful and alert at all times (24:48, 42).
Read MoreStructured and Tight, but Open
Both my parents worked away from home all throughout my childhood years. As the eldest child, I was entrusted with the responsibility of looking after my siblings, which included ensuring they were fed.
Read MoreA Restful Yoke
My grandfather was a subsistence farmer who used oxen to plow his farm. He had a yoke that his neighbors would occasionally borrow. Sometimes, the neighbors would return the yoke, frustrated that it had not served them well.
I later learned that while my grandfather’s yoke was light, strong, and easily adjustable to fit the oxen, some of his neighbors struggled pairing their oxen to get the best results. Older and younger, stronger and weaker oxen needed to be yoked together to support each other as they plowed. The older, stronger, and experienced oxen would cover for the shortcomings of the younger, weaker, and inexperienced ones.
Read MoreThe Gift of Unbounded Identity
In today’s text John introduces us to a remarkable story of Jesus encountering a Samaritan woman by the well. Jesus crosses socio-cultural and religious boundaries and there, establishes a relationship with the Samaritan woman, a relationship that eventually leads to plentiful harvest.
Read MoreRelational Affirmation
I love introductions — whether they happen in between two people or in front of large groups. I love them because the things people share during an introduction reflect what they believe is important in the moment. Our introductions say a lot about how we understand ourselves and our audience.
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