Benjamin, not Benoni

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Monday, May 12, 2025

Today's Text: Genesis 35:16-20

Key Verse: Genesis 35:18 (NIV): "and as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin."

At a juncture in the life of Jacob, they came to a place near Ephrath, and Rachel who was with child fell into a difficult labor of which she gave birth to her second son, Benjamin. While she was dying, the midwife thought it was beneficial that she, at least, know that she was having a boy child. However, the pain of death came so heavy upon her that before she died, named her son Ben Oni, meaning "son of my mourning."). But Jacob understood that words have incredible power. So, he quickly reversed the negative by affirming and imposing the positive: he called him Ben Yamin (Benjamin). Between these two confessions are a whole world of difference: one means "son of my mourning" or simply put, "son of my sorrow," while the other means "son of my right hand."

We must always choose confessions that align with faith, hope, and positivity. Instead of letting situations dictate negative thoughts, we must speak life and affirm what we desire. Let declaring victory, healing, or peace shape your mindset and reality. Words matter. Use them to uplift and inspire yourself and others. In the midst of life's joys or sorrows, find profound lessons in the story of Rachel. Don't be that negative prophet or prophetess over your own life or affairs. Be like Jacob, see the right side of life even if it has not yet materialized. See beyond present pain. Find strength in the Lord in those struggles. Don't let those poignant moment of complexities and emotions rob you of good things to come.

Action Steps: Practice faith in times of sorrow or struggle. Always offer words of hope to that affirm God's presence and love. Pray for faith that overcome despair and bring God's peace and healing.

Quote for the Day: "Just a little shift in perspective and confession can change the entire essence and meaning of a life. There's death and life in the power of rhe tongue."

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the lessons we learn from the story of Rachel and Jacob. Help us to be people of faith who through the power of positive confession bring hope and comfort to ourselves and all those who are struggling or suffering. Give us Your perspective and wisdom, and may our confessions reflect Your love to a world in need — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Genesis 35:16-20, Psalm 116:15, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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