Restive is one of those words which you rarely hear anymore. Restive refers to a person who is unable to keep still or silent, becoming increasingly difficult to control. Moses is suggesting in the passage below that impatience, dissatisfaction, or boredom is what Esau will have to overcome. Esau’s mindset is similar to Cain in Genesis 4:5-7, with the Devil planting evil thoughts into his brain.
Then Isaac his father answered, Your [blessing and] dwelling shall all come from the fruitfulness of the earth and from the dew of the heavens above; 40 By your sword you shall live and serve your brother. But [the time shall come] when you will grow restive and break loose, and you shall tear his yoke from off your neck, Genesis 27:39-40.
Over the years of television programming, each new concept was inspired by a previous one. The ID Channel has spawned shows on other networks like Snapped featured by Oxygen. Perhaps, this is the image Moses is trying to communicate in the passage above as when anger brews like a fresh pot of coffee, it might spill over onto other appliances or people.
That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [[c]with those of the elders at your ordination]. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:6-7.
The apostle is a realist in Romans 7, detailing his own losing battle with a sinful nature bubbling up within his soul. Yet, Paul is also a man of solutions, seeking a higher power to overcome crippling addictions. Subsequently, Paul writes a young pastor with an answer to overcoming doubt, fear and a negative outlook on life. The cure for any restive soul is tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit, providing everything you need in and for life, 2 Peter 1:3-4. If you’re about to break loose, call upon the Lord.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 