The term “replacement theology” is a straw man argument, a concept without root. The term creates a false dichotomy and deflects from the more subtle truth contained in the scriptures.

With the harvest season having begun, it brings to mind Jesus’ parable about the wheat and the tares. The word “tares” refers to darnel, the botanical name of which is lolium temulentum, which translates as drunken tufted grass.

Ask any professing believer the question, “How long were the children of Israel in Egypt?”, and the answer is most likely to be 430 years. If you ask the follow-on question, “How long were they in bondage in Egypt?”, the answer is also likely to be 430 years. But are these the correct answers?

Proverbs 3:9-10 is bursting with promise. To understand these verses we must remember that a proverb (parable, riddle, byword, dark saying) is God’s way of speaking to us indirectly, so that those who are wise, who fear the Lord, will understand the true meaning.

Before we can believe we must hear the word of God, the seed that is sown into our hearts. If the ground within our heart is honest and good, we will understand and receive the word. And in time we will bear fruit.