Exodus 1:8-2:10

Exodus 1:8-2:10
God Has Big Plans
August 24, 2008

This summer we have spent some time looking at stories from the book of Genesis that make up a valuable part of our faith tradition. These are stories of folks like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph – folks who were called by God and touched by God in certain ways – and – while they were not perfect – were used by God to bring His will and His love into the world.

As we looked at these stories I believe we have discovered that God is at work in our lives and in our world – and that God can use us – as imperfect as we may be – to do His work and will in the world – if we will let Him use us.

We have looked at Noah — and how he was obedient to God – even when it was costly and messy to be obedient – and discovered a blessing for himself and his family – and all people – because of his obedience to God.

We have looked at the story of Abraham – and seen how God – many times –
calls us to do new things –
calls us do away with things we may be comfortable with –
calls us to do things we have never done before
or –
calls us to do old things in new and different ways –
and – even though we may not know exactly what will happen when we try doing new things as individuals or as a Church –
or we may not know exactly what will happen when we try – as individuals or a Church — doing old things in new ways –
we need to step out in faith and follow God.

We’ve also seen in Abraham’s story that God keeps His wonderful promises – when we trust in Him – and how at times we have to have faith in God and God’s will for our lives.

We’ve seen as we’ve looked at Jacob – Abraham’s grandson — how God does not call us or choose us because of what we have done – but because of who God is – and we’ve seen how we might be able to run from God’s love – but can not hide – and how we can dare to let God change us – make a difference in our lives — –and how God is always with us – even in the midst of our problems and troubles.

As we looked at Joseph we saw how God gives us dreams – and how we need to dare to dream and follow the dreams God gives us and we saw last week how we can treat folks who mistreat us.
Today we are going to conclude out look at genesis by actually looking at Exodus 1:8 – 2:10 – the story of the birth of Moses – and we will see how God had big plans for His people – and has big plans for us.
Listen to God’s word in Exodus 1:8 – 2:10:
Moses is one of the most fascinating men in history. I’m sure that many of you remember — as I do — watching Cecil B. Demille’s movie, “The Ten Commandments” when you were younger. Who can forget scenes such as Charleston Heston – playing the part of Moses – holding up his hand and parting the Red Sea – or standing atop Mi. Sinai with the stone tablets of the 10 Commandments in his hands as the lightning flashes around him?
A new generation has come to know about Moses through the animated film a few years ago “The Prince of Egypt.” Even the animated version of Moses’ life made an impact on folks – particularly young folks. I remember taking a group of young people to see the movie and – as it showed Moses parting the sea and the people walking across – one of the young people looked up at me and said – with wonder amazement:
“Now that’s something you don’t see every day!”
Indeed — Moses’ life is an interesting story – filled with things you don’t see every day — but it is much more than that. As we take a closer look at events in his life, there are many lessons to be learned – not the least of which is that God has big plans for God’s people. God placed a special call on Moses’ life. God had big plans for Moses, — just as God had big plans for Noah – Abraham – Jacob – and Joseph.
We need to realize that God has big plans for us as a Church – and big plans for each of us individually as His followers.
God used Moses in a great way — and wants to use us as a Church – and you as an individual — in a great way. It appears that Moses always had a sense of God’s call on his life, but it took him some time to determine exactly how he was to fulfill it. The lesson Moses eventually learned is that a person becomes most effective in life when he or she decides to do God’s will God’s way. As we look at how Moses came to discover God’s will, it will help us discover that God has a plan for us as a Church – and you as an individual.
Let’s take a closer look at Moses.
I see 2 major themes that illustrate God’s plan for Moses – and the plan God may have for us:
1. Moses’ entire life lead up to God’s call
As we look at the life of Moses we can see how God prepared him from the very beginning. As we follow the story we can see God’s hand in it along the way:
When Moses was born, the Hebrew people were slaves in Egypt. Pharaoh, the leader of Egypt, felt threatened by the growing number of Hebrew children, so he ordered that all newborn males be put to death. Moses’ mother couldn’t bear to turn him over to the Egyptian authorities, so she hid his birth as long as she could. Finally, in a desperate attempt to spare his life, she placed him in a basket and put him in the Nile River, hoping and praying that somehow, someway, God would protect him and guide him to safety. Well, God answered her prayer; Moses was discovered in the Nile by the Pharaoh’s daughter – who took him and raised him as her own.
God had big plans for Moses.
Even though he was born a Hebrew slave, God worked it out that Moses would be raised in the house of Pharaoh and educated in the wisdom of the Egyptians.
God had big plans for Moses.
At an early age Moses had the desire to rescue his people from the torment of their Egyptian captors. One day he witnessed a Hebrew man being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he killed the Egyptian. Moses then fled to the country and live in the land of Midian. It may have appeared that his dream to save the Hebrew people had gone up in smoke – but God was not finished with him.
God had big plans for Moses.
For the next 40 years Moses tended flocks belonging to his father-in-law. It would appear to a casual observer that Moses had been forgotten by God—that he had failed and had become nothing more than a “could-have-been.” But God didn’t forget about Moses and he didn’t forget about the plight of his people. During this time, there were some important changes taking place in Moses’ personal life—this 40 years as sheep-herder was a time of character building. God was waiting for the day when he could use Moses in a great way – and that’s exactly what God did.
God had big plans for Moses.
Just as God had big plans for Noah – and used him in a great way –
Just as God had big plans for Abraham – and used him in a great way –
Just as God had big plans for Jacob – and used him in a great way –
Just as God had big plans for Joseph – and used him in a great way –
God had big plans for Moses.
Plans to use him in a great way.
In the same way, God has big plans for us as members of Hopewell Presbyterian – plans to use us in a great way.
God wants to use us in a great way. There is a reason that we as the congregation Hopewell Presbyterian are here in this place – in this community – at this time. God wants to use us in a great way in this community and at this time.
God has big plans.
In the very same way, God has a big plan for you — a plan to use you in a great way.
God has big plans.
God can use the events of your life as points of preparation for the plan He has given you. There is a reason you were born into the family into which you were born; there is a reason you grew up in the geographic area you in which you grew up; there is a reason you are alive in this generation. All the events of your life—both good and bad — are part of the process of preparation for the great things He has planned for you to do.
God has big plans.
Maybe you feel that your life to this point has been a total failure.
Maybe you had a dream for what you could accomplish, and right now it appears that you have fallen desperately short of the mark. Maybe you have made some mistakes and have made a complete mess of everything, and it’s caused you to believe that your only choice is to give up and quit. Maybe something painful happened in your childhood or in your past, something that causes you to wonder, “Why me? Why did I have to do through this?”
The truth is that God can use the events of your entire life—even the mistakes — even the things that are beyond your control—to design your life in such a way that it will bring Hm glory. Right now, today, you are being trained for God’s purpose. God is using this time to prepare you for the work He has called you to do. Remember: Even our worst experiences become part of the process of preparation. God has big plans for you, and your entire life has been leading you toward his plan for your life.
Just as God had a big plan for Noah – and even when it semed that no rain was in sight Noah obeyed God – and His plan cam true.
Just as God had a big plan for Abraham – and even though it seemed God’s promise of being the father of many nations would never come true – Abraham remained faithful – and God’s plan came true.
Just as God had big plans for Jacob – and – even though it seemed the plans would never come true as he escaped his bother – who wanted to kill him – God’s plan eventually came true.
Just as God had big plans for Joseph – and even though it looked like these plans would never come true as Joseph was sold into salvery – then thrown in jail – God’s plan did indeed come true.
God has big plans for us as a Church – and you as an individual.
God has big plans!
The second thing I believe we can discover about God’s plan is…
2. God will wait until you’re ready to be used.
Have you ever noticed there is a difference in the way professional football teams and professional baseball teams prepare their rookies? Most NFL teams will sign a hot-shot rookie—a quarterback for example—to a multi-million dollar contract and expect to get their money’s worth the first season. It rarely happens. It happened last year when the rookie Adrian Peterson made a great impact as a rookie for the Minnesota Vikings — but that was a rare occurrence. Most football fans are familiar with names such as Heath Shuller, Brian Bosworth, and Ryan Leif. These are all players who excelled in college football and were highly touted as rookies, but simply were not ready for the challenges of playing professional football. Major League Baseball , on the other hand, uses a completely different strategy. It is not uncommon for a baseball team to sign a rookie to a high-priced contract, and send him to play Double A ball in a town like Birmingham or Omaha. For example, Sammy Sosa and Mark Magwire both began their career in the minor leagues; each was brought up to the major leagues when he was ready. In fact, Sosa bounced from the majors to the minors a couple of times before settling in at Chicago.
God’s method is more like the baseball model than the football. God will not ask you to do more that you are able to do. God will not use you until He has put you through a time of preparation – much as Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses went through.
God has big plans – and is preparing you – and us as a Church – for great things!
God has big plans!
God will us the events in your life – to prepare you for the work He has called you to do – the big plans – the great things – He is planning for you.
God will us the things we experience as a Church to prepare us for the work He has called you to do .
God has big plans!
Big plans for how to use you – big plans for how to use us as a Church.
Noah – Abraham – Jacob – Joseph – Moses – and so many others in the Bible and throughout history – let God prepare them for the great things He had in mind for them to be doing. Let God prepare you – then let God prepare us a a Church – for the big plans – the great things – He is planning for you – and for us.
God indeed has big plans!
Amen.

Genesis 45:1-15

Genesis 45:1-15
Treating Mistreaters
August 17, 2008

This summer we are spending some time looking at stories from the book of Genesis that make up a valuable part of our faith tradition. These are stories of folks like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph – folks who were called by God and touched by God in certain ways – and – while they were not perfect – were used by God to bring His will and His love into the world.

As we look at these stories I believe we are discovering that God is at work in our lives and in our world – and that God can use us – as imperfect as we may be – to do His work and will in the world – if we will let Him use us.

We have looked at Noah — and how he was obedient to God – even when it was costly and messy to be obedient – and discovered a blessing for himself and his family – and all people – because of his obedience to God.

We have seen the story of Abraham – and seen how God – many times –
calls us to do new things –
calls us do away with things we may be comfortable with –
calls us to do things we have never done before
or –
calls us to do old things in new and different ways –
and – even though we may not know exactly what will happen when we try doing new things as individuals or as a Church –
or we may not know exactly what will happen when we try – as individuals or a Church — doing old things in new ways –
we need to step out in faith and follow God.

We’ve also seen in Abraham’s story that God keeps His wonderful promises – when we trust in Him – and how at times we have to have faith in God and God’s will for our lives.

We’ve seen as we’ve looked at Jacob – Abraham’s grandson how God does not call us or choose us because of what we have done – but because of who God is – and we’ve seen how we might be able to run from God’s love – but can not hide – and we have seen how he dared to let God change him – make a difference in his life – and how he changed to be a person who made a difference in the lives of others – how God is always with us – even in the midst of our problems and troubles.

Last week we looked at one of Jacob’s sons – Joseph — and saw how God gives us dreams – and how we need to dare to dream and follow the dreams God gives us. Today we are going to continue looking at Joseph – and how he treated those who mistreated him. As we look at Genesis 45, I believe we can learn how to treat those who mistreat us.

Read passage
In our passage from Genesis 37 last week we began the story of Joseph – the dreamer – the daddy’s pet – the young man who his dad loved so much he gave him a special coat to wear – the young man who dared to dream that the rest of his family would bow down to him. We saw that his brothers finally had enough of his attitude – his coat – and his dreams — and one day when he had come to check on them in the fields they beat him up and sold him to some merchants on the way to Egypt.
Well – the chapters between Genesis 37 and our passage for today from Genesis 45 tell how Jeoseph was taken to Egypt and purchased as slave to Potiphar, a high-ranking official in Pharaoh’s government. The Bible says…
Genesis 39 opens telling us that:
The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned…the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. (Genesis 39:2-5)
It sounds like Joseph landed on his feet, doesn’t it?
Well, things eventually took a turn for the worse. Genesis 39 continues …
Now Joseph was well built and handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he refused. (Genesis 39:7-8)
He was determined to do the right thing. But his rejection offended her, so she framed him and accused him of making advances towards her. When Potiphar heard of this, he became furious and threw him in jail.
But – Genesis 39 goes on to say:
But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. (Genesis 39:20-21)
Yea – even in prison – God was with Joseph – and it wasn’t long before Joseph was running the prison for the warden.
While in prison, he meets 2 of Pharaoh’s officials he had become angry with and had thrown in jail. While in prison, these men had some strange dreams that they didn’t know how to interpret – but Joseph interpreted each one — telling one official that he was about to be set free, and the other that he was about to be executed. Sure enough, that’s what happened – but the one who was released did not remember his friend Joseph – who stayed in jail another 2 years. It was not until Pharaoh began having dreams that he didn’t understand – and the official remembered about the prisoner who could interpret dreams – that Joseph was brought to Pharaoh and interpreted his dreams. Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint someone in charge of preparing for the famine God told Pharaoh through his dreams was coming — and Pharaoh took his advice – making Joseph second in command in the country.
So – here is Joseph — at the age of 30 – a former slave and former prisoner — now the second most powerful man in the most powerful nation of the world at that time. For the next seven years he did his job well, storing enough food to help the entire nation prepare for the years of famine. And sure enough, after seven years, famine struck – but the country of Egypt was ready.
But – what was going on in Canaan with Joseph’s family during this time?
The famine in Egypt affected their country, too. His father – Jacob — heard that there was plenty of food in Egypt — so he sent his sons on a journey to buy grain. Now, Joseph was the governor of the land, the one who sold grain to all of its people – so when Joseph’s brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. He recognized them – and probably thought about the dream he had years before – but they did not recognize him. He finally gets them to bring his youngest brother to Egypt – and this is where we pick up the story in chapter 45 today as we see Joseph make himself known to his brothers – forgive them for mistreating him when he was younger – and seeing God’s hand in his life.
It’s an incredible story, isn’t it?
Who ever came up with the idea that this book is boring? Not only is this a great story, but today, thousands of years later, there are lessons to be learned from these events.
As a young man, Joseph was on the receiving end of some rather cruel treatment, from his brothers — but he never gave in to despair, and he never gave in to bitterness. Instead, he made the most of every situation he faced, even when he was treated unfairly. And when the opportunity came for him to reconcile with his brothers, he received them with open arms instead of trying to punish them for what they had done to him.
You know – our stories may not be as sensational as Joseph’s, but we share something in common with him:
We are all, at some time or another, treated unfairly. We all know what it’s like to be given worse than we deserve. We’ve all been mistreated at sometime in our lives. Maybe it was by a parent, or sibling, or employer, or coach, or spouse, or child, or friend — regardless of who it was – we all have had times we have been mistreated – and will probably continue to have these times in our lives.
I believe we can all learn from Joseph’s story how to treat a mistreater. When we look at the events in Joseph’s life, we can see the significance of his reconciliation with his brothers here is chapter 45. I believe that there are 4 things we can learn from the way Joseph treated his brothers:
First of all, if you’ve been mistreated…
1. Recognize how God has adapted the situation for good.
Notice what Joseph said to his brothers…
(v. 5) “…it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”
Even though the events of his life had been challenging, to say the least, Joseph recognized God’s hand in the details. Listen to what he says in verse 8:
(v. “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.”
Regardless of where you may feel you are in your story – you can know that God has not abandoned you. Do you remember how the Bible said that the Lord was with Joseph when he was a slave, and the Lord was with Joseph when he was in prison, and the Lord was with Joseph when he served before the Pharaoh? In the very same way, the Lord is with you – whatever your situation in life may be. Maybe today you can see how God has worked out negative events in your life for good, or maybe that yet hasn’t been made clear to you. Either way, God is at work in your life – just as He was in Joseph’s.
Obviously, Joseph’s brothers didn’t have his best interests in mind when they sold him into slavery. They didn’t mistreat him with the idea that it would help him become a high-ranking official in Egypt. They intended to hurt him, but their intentions backfired, because God was with Joseph. For you, God can and will turn your curse into a blessing. He can turn the times people mistreat you into times of blessings.
Here’s the second thing we can learn about treating those who mistreat us:

2. Release the Offender
Joseph reveals his spiritual depth in the words he speaks to his brothers…
(v. 5) “And now, do not be distressed, and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here…”

Joseph could have given his brothers a long speech about the terrible things they had done to him. He could have said, “Now it’s your turn; you will suffer as I have suffered.” But Joseph wasn’t interested in revenge. He just wanted to let the offense go. Joseph understood that when you release the offender, you release yourself. As long as you hang on to your bitterness and resentment, you will never be free, no matter how much success you achieve.

God is willing to turn the curses of your life into a blessing. Don’t waste it by clinging to the past. Let it go. Release the offender.

Augustine said, “If you are suffering from a bad person’s injustice, forgive him, lest there be two bad people.”

When you are mistreated, don’t hang on to the hurt. Don’t cling to the past. Forgive whoever you have to forgive. Release the offender. In fact, more than just forgiving the offender, you need to go to the third step –
3. Repay Them With Kindness.
This is what Joseph did for his brothers. He said…
(v. 9-11) “Come down to me; don’t delay. You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me…I will provide for you there…”
In spite of the fact that he had been sold as a slave for 20 shekels many years before, when he had the opportunity, he repaid his brothers with kindness.
It may seem outrageous to do good to someone who has gone out of their way to do harm to you, but that is exactly what God has called us to do. And remember that God leads by example — Jesus was beaten, mocked, and spat upon, though he had done nothing to justify such treatment – but while he was hanging on a cross he didn’t deserve to bear, he said, “Father, forgive them.”
If you’ve been mistreated, look for an opportunity to repay the mistreater with kindness.
When Norman Vincent Peale wrote The Power of Positive Thinking, he was lambasted by many theologians and religious leaders. One leader, the Methodist Bishop of New York State, was particularly outspoken in his criticism of Peale, to the point of publishing mean-spirited articles about him. Dr. Peale was also a featured book reviewer for a national magazine, and a book by this hostile Bishop came across his desk. Here was his chance to get even, to say everything back to this man that had been said about him. So, how did Peale review the book? Peale said, “It was a fine piece; accordingly I wrote a favorable review.”
Repay mistreaters with kindness.
For example, your parents may have mistreated you as a child — but don’t withhold your kindness from them now. Your brother or sister may have made life difficult for you in the past — but if you have the ability to do good for them now, do it. Your neighbor may have offended you or taken advantage of you — but if you now have the opportunity to do them a favor, take advantage of it. Repay them with kindness.
The fourth way to treat a mistreater is…
4. Re-invent the Relationship.
Listen to how Joseph reinvented the relationship with his brothers:
(v. 14-15) Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterwards his brothers talked with him.
It’s as if Joseph was saying, “Let’s start over, and let’s do it right this time.”
Some of you are probably asking, “Does this mean I should let my abusive husband back in the house, as if nothing has happened? Are you saying I should re-hire a dishonest employee and make my business vulnerable again?”
No. I didn’t say “resume the relationship”, I said “re-invent” it. Make it the way it should have been all along, with the proper boundaries and the proper understanding of each other.
Reconciling with someone who has hurt you in the past doesn’t mean that you’re setting yourself up to be hurt all over again. Change the terms of the relationship. Make it the way it should have been all along. This is what Joseph did with his brothers.
It’s inevitable that you will be mistreated. Maybe in big ways, maybe in small ways, but it’s sure to happen.
The thing is that mistreatment can be the catalyst for God doing something great in your life, or it can be the catalyst of your undoing. How you respond to mistreatment will determine whether or not you experience God’s peace and joy in your life.
Here are 4 tings we can learn from Joseph – and apply to our own life – so can learn how to treat mistreaters:
1. Recognize God’s hand in your life and trust him to turn the curse into a blessing;
2. Release the offender, because in doing so you release yourself;
3. Repay them with kindness when the opportunity presents itself;
4. Re-invent the relationship to make it what it should have been all along.
Good advice – no – make that God’s advice – for how to treat mistreaters.
Amen.

Genesis 37

Genesis 37

Dare To Dream

August 10, 2008

This summer we are spending some time looking at stories from the book of Genesis that make up a valuable part of our faith tradition. These are stories of folks like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph – folks who were called by God and touched by God in certain ways – and – while they were not perfect – were used by God to bring His will and His love into the world.

As we look at these stories I believe we are discovering that God is at work in our lives and in our world – and that God can use us – as imperfect as we may be – to do His work and will in the world – if we will let Him use us.

We have looked at Noah — and how he was obedient to God – even when it was costly and messy to be obedient – and discovered a blessing for himself and his family – and all people – because of his obedience to God.

We have seen the story of Abraham – and seen how God – many times –

calls us to do new things –

calls us do away with things we may be comfortable with —

calls us to do things we have never done before

or –

calls us to do old things in new and different ways –

and – even though we may not know exactly what will happen when we try doing new things as individuals or as a Church –

or we may not know exactly what will happen when we try – as individuals or a Church — doing old things in new ways –

we need to step out in faith and follow God.

We’ve also seen in Abraham’s story that God keeps His wonderful promises – when we trust in Him – and how at times we have to have faith in God and God’s will for our lives.

We’ve seen as we’ve looked at Jacob – Abraham’s grandson how God does not call us or choose us because of what we have done – but because of who God is – and we’ve seen how we might be able to run from God’s love – but can not hide – and we have seen how he dared to let God change him – make a difference in his life – and how he changed to be a person who made a difference in the lives of others – how God is always with us – even in the midst of our problems and troubles.

Today we are going to start looking at one of Jacob’s sons – Joeseph – and how God gives us dreams – and how we need to dare to dream and follow the dreams God gives us.

Listen to God’s word from Genesis 37

Dream on!

When do you hear that expression?

Probably when someone talks about wanting something that is so far out of reach that it seems it will never be achieved.

Dream on!

You want to win 10 million dollars?

Dream on!

You want a job with lots of money but little responsibility?

Dream on!

You want politicians to campaign by making positive statements of what they are going to do – without slinging mud at their opponents?

Dream on!

You want t a world where there is peace – where there is no poverty – where every person knows and experiences the love of God?

Yea – yea — I know – dream on!

You know — dreams are important parts of our lives.

We may try to suppress them – we may try to be realistic and not dreamy –

we may try to squelch dreams and deal only with reality — but dream can be important.

Dreams can lead to hope.

Dreams can help us look past what is to what can be.

Dreams can help us see the world in a different light.

Dreams can help us see God’s will for our lives.

Dreams can give us a new perspective on life - God’s perspective.

Dream on!

Dream on!

But – even though dreams can come to us almost suddenly –

although they may come to us in ways we are unaware of –

and even though dreams may come upon us when we least expect it –

have you ever tried to keep a dream alive – or make it become a reality - when it seemed impossible and useless to even try?

Have you ever tried to keep a dream alive or make it come true when it seemed that everyone is working against that dream and doing all they can to the kill the dream?

Have you ever felt like Don Quixote – the man from LaMancha – dreaming the impossible dream – daring to believe that dreams can come true?

A lot of times our dreams get us in trouble.

There are times when dreamers are not very popular people.

The problem with dreams is that – too many times – they go against reality – the way things are – and those who like things the way they are become opposed to the dream and the dreamer that threatens their status quo.

There are times when dreamers and their dreams are not very popular.

Take Joseph for example.

Loved by his father Jacob.

Loved so much he gives him a luxurious, beautiful coat.

Loved so much his brothers become jealous of him.

Joseph – the daddy’s pet!

Joseph – the dreamer!

Young Joseph – audacious enough to dream that his older brothers and his parents would bow down to him.

Young Joseph – audacious enough to flaunt his fathers love for him by wearing his beautiful coat.

They didn’t have coats like that!

The older brothers may have reacted to the beautiful coat in much the same way a bull reacts to a red cape!

And when he dared to tell them his dreams – well – it seems that may have been the straw that broke the camels back.

When they see him coming into the fields – what do they say?

“Here comes the dreamer!.”

“Here comes the one who dares to believe that our power will not last!

“Here comes the one who is not happy with the way things are — and wants to change things!”

“We’ll show him a thing or two!”

But – before they kill him – they decide to sell him to some traders on the way to Egypt.

Either way – he’s out of their way.

Now what will become of his dreams?

They seem to be meaningless hallucinations.

It seems that “the way things are” has destroyed another dream of how things can be.

But – guess what — the last verse in our lesson for today lets us know we have not seen the last of this dreamer – or heard the last of his dream.

In the end – his dreams come true!

His whole family does bow down to him.

Now — that’s next week — but for today — let’s look at Joseph and his audacity to dream dreams.

Joseph dared to dream.

God gave him dreams – - visions for how the world could be - visions for what could be done - - visions for what God willed. Joseph dared to dream those dreams – and even when it seemed impossible – - they finally came true.

So — what about you?

Do you dare to dream?

Do you dare to question the way things are?

Do you dare to let God give you a dream – a vision for how things can be – -

a dream – - a vision for a better world –

a dream – - a vision for a better community –

a dream - - a vision for a better church –

a dream - - a vision for a better way to live?

Do you dare to dream?

Do you dare to dream – or – are you satisfied with the way things are?

Do you dare to dream – or do you let reality take away whatever vision for how things can be different that you may have?

Dare to dream!

Dare to dream!

Dare to see how things can be – regardless of how impossible it may seem!

Dare to let God give you a vision – a dream of a world where His love is known and experienced by all and shared with all –

Dare to dream!

Dare to dream!

Dare to let God give you a vision – a dream of a community where all work together for the good of all – where neighbors that have joyously help those who don’t have – where all people are treated with respect.

Dare to dream!

Dare to dream!

Dare to let God give you a vision – a dream of a church where our worship and our fellowship is what defines who we are – and where our love and our commitment to reach out to others with the love of God in Jesus Christ is the witness we give to the community.

Dare to dream!

Dare to dream!

Dare to let God give you a vision – a dream of a life where you live in God’s ways – experience God’s love – and share God’s love with those around you!

But wait —

What’s that you say?

Dream on — Preacher?

Dream on!?

You know what — I couldn’t agree more!

Yea — Dream on!

Dream on!

Even when it seems that everything is going against the dream – dream on!

Even when it looks like the world will never change – the community will never change – the church will never change – your life will never change –

don’t give up!

Dream on!

Dare to dream!

Dare to dream!

Dare to let God give you a dream – a vision – for how things can be – and the courage to work to make that dream – that vision – a reality – no matter how difficult or how impossible it may seem.

But — of course – the big question is –

How do we dare to continue to dream when the dream of a better world – a better community – a better church – a better life – may seem impossible?

First — we dare to dream by faith.

Faith in the vision God has given us – and the God who has given us the vision.

Faith in the vision – and in God – regardless of how things may look.

Second — we dare to dream by obedience.

Obedience to the vision – the dream – to God – and how God calls us to live. Obedience to the vision – the dream – to God – regardless of how things may look.

Third — we dare to dream by action.

We act on the vision – the dream – God has placed within us for a better world – a better community – a better church – a better life. We act on the dream – the vision – regardless of how things may look!

We dare to have faith in God – and in the dreams God places within us.

We dare to live in obedience to God – and to the dreams God places within us.

We dare to act in obedience to God – and to act out the dream God places within us.

Here’s the challenge that is before you —

Let God give you a vision.

Let God give you a dream.

Let God give you a vision – a dream – of His will for the world – the community – the Church – your life – and commit to that dream.

Let God give you a vision for how He wants the world — the community – the Church – your life – to be – and commit to making that dream a reality.

Here are some dreams I believe God has for this Church:

I believe God has a dream for this Church to make it a point to reach out to community – and include all people in the community into our ministry and fellowship.

I believe God dreams for this Church to be dedicated to Great Commission – reaching all people with the message of Jesus!

Jesus does not call us to stay within our walls – but go into all the world and show His love to all people. I read recently that Jesus spent more time at parties – meeting people where they were – than he did in the synagogues. We can’t expect people to come to us – and come to Jesus – unless we – the people of Christ – go to them.

I believe God dreams for this Church to be dedicated to growing in God’s spirit – and doing God’s will!

These are things I believe in – and dream of.

These dreams can be powerful – but they may not be popular as working to fulfill them may go against “the way things are” – but they can point us towards “the way things can be”.

I’m inviting you to join me in my dream – my vision for how this Church can be.

I invite you to dream on with me.

I invite you to:

Have faith in the dream.

Be obediant to the dream.

Act on the dream.

Yea — Dream on!

Dream on! Amen.

Genesis 32:22-30

Genesis 32:22-30

Trouble Happens!

August 3, 2008

This summer we are spending some time looking at stories from the book of Genesis that make up a valuable part of our faith tradition. These are stories of folks like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph – folks who were called by God and touched by God in certain ways – and – while they were not perfect – were used by God to bring His will and His love into the world.

As we look at these stories I believe we are discovering that God is at work in our lives and in our world – and that God can use us – as imperfect as we may be – to do His work and will in the world – if we will let Him use us.

We have looked at Noah — and how he was obedient to God – even when it was costly and messy to be obedient – and discovered a blessing for himself and his family – and all people – because of his obedience to God.

We have seen the story of Abraham – and seen how God – many times –

calls us to do new things –

calls us do away with things we may be comfortable with —

calls us to do things we have never done before

or –

calls us to do old things in new and different ways –

and – even though we may not know exactly what will happen when we try doing new things as individuals or as a Church –

or we may not know exactly what will happen when we try – as individuals or a Church — doing old things in new ways –

we need to step out in faith and follow God.

We’ve also seen in Abraham’s story that God keeps His wonderful promises – when we trust in Him – and how at times we have to have faith in God and God’s will for our lives.

We’ve seen as we’ve looked at Jacob – Abraham’s grandson how God does not call us or choose us because of what we have done – but because of who God is – and we’ve seen how  we might be able to run from God’s love – but can not hide – and we have seen how he dared to let God change him – make a difference in his life – and how he changed to be a person who made a difference in the lives of others.

Today’s passage is a wrestling match that Jacob engaged in with God – a match that changed who he was – but in the midst of the struggle he learned that when trouble happens – God is there.

Listen to God’s word in Genesis 32:22-30:

Read Scripture

Trouble happens!

I’ve seen bumper stickers and tee shirts with the same idea but a much cruder phrase – but it is the truth. No matter how carefully we prepare for it, trouble will come to us, often when we least expect it.

Long ago people would often made their plans and added the two letters, d.v. — –  deo volente — God willing. We have all heard the phrase, “Man proposes, God disposes.” Whether or not we would attribute life’s difficulties to God or just to the way things are in the world, trouble comes.

When I was growing up my Dad had a tape of the musical Fiddler On The Roof. He olayed it constantly when we were in the car. I remember one point in which Tevye, the lead character, expresses no doubt that God is behind the troubles in his life. He even muses:

“Sometimes I think things are too quiet up there, God. You say to yourself, ‘Let’s see, what kind of mischief I can play on my friend, Tevye ‘.”

The truth is that trouble happens.

The truth is that trouble can often come when we least expect it. Someone said to me not so long ago, “The fact that you imagine that everyone is out to get you when they really aren’t doesn’t mean some folks aren’t really out to get you.”

The truth is that trouble happens.

In life – trouble happens.

Jacob in lesson for today was in deep trouble.

He was on his way to meet his brother Esau. Remember, Jacob had tricked his brother – the red-haired, hairy, brother out of his inheritance. Jacob had put on a skin of an animal and told his father that he was Esau. So Isaac had blessed Jacob rather than Esau. Even his name, Jacob, meant ” Supplanter” — the one who takes something that is rightfully someone else’s.

But now Jacob is going back home.

He had run away from home – from a furious Esau who wanted to kill him – and had run to his uncle Laban. He had been tricked when Laban substituted the homely Leah for the beautiful Rachel as Jacob’s bride.

Jacob had been visited by the angels and told to go to home – but he was afraid. He was afraid Esau would kill him on sight. The setting of our story in our passage for today is the brook Jabbok, across the Jordan. Jacob sent Rachel and Leah and his concubines and eleven children and all his worldly goods across the brook. Jacob remained alone waiting for his brother:

“Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.” The passage tells us.

Unexpectedly a man comes to wrestle Jacob. Out of the blue, he is thrown into a battle that lasts the whole night.

Now – this was truly unexpected, unanticipated trouble!

Even though he did not expect this trouble to come — Jacob does not give up. Jacob does not know much about his unknown attacker — but it is seems that he is not an ordinary human being.

Fight or flight.

Jacob may have thought:

do I keep on wrestling and not give up

or do I try to run away?

Trouble happens.

Sometimes we may want to give up when we have troubles — throw in the towel and say: “enough is enough! “

It can be very difficult for us to not lose heart when trouble comes.

But – here is a secret we need to hear over and over again:

God is with us when bad things happen to us.

God is with us when trouble comes.

Joyce Rupp in her book, Praying Our Goodbyes, puts it this way:

“‘What might happen?’ is the secret question that always pummels our thoughts. We do not yet fully believe that God always desires our good and our happiness. We do not fully realize that God will be with us as a guiding power to love and sustain us through whatever hardships and headaches life will bring.”

Jesus tells us: “Fear not, for even the hairs of your head are counted.” Of course, that would not be a great comfort to folks like me – but for some folks, knowing that the hairs on their heads are counted and numbered by God can be a feeling of great comfort!

You see — God’s eye is on the sparrow — and Jesus reminds us:

“You are of more value than many sparrows.”

Trouble happens – but when trouble happens — God is with us.

The Psalmist reminds us that our help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth. The Lord will preserve us; the Lord will keep us safe. We do not need to be afraid when trouble comes.

Trouble happens – but when trouble happens — God is with us.

In fact — it is just in the dark and troubled times that we are reminded of our need for faith.

Madeleine l’Engle, the noted children’s author, has written,

“When things go wrong, when the good things do not seem to happen, when our prayers seem to have been lost, God is most present. We do not need the sheltering wings when things go smoothly. We are closest to God in the darkness, stumbling along blindly.”

Trouble happens – but when trouble happens — God is with us.

Jacob did not give up.

He kept wrestling with this man and it was not an easy struggle. The man hurt Jacob:

“When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket: and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with   him.”

Jacob would always limp after this night of wrestling. He was wounded through the struggle and he would bear the scars for the rest of his life.

Trouble happens – but when trouble happens — God is with us.

We should not be surprised if we too are wounded and hurt in our struggles either. Jesus bore the marks of the nails and the pierced side even after His resurrection. Those scars did not vanish from His glorified body.

Many times when trouble comes in our lives the pain is real — the trouble is real — the scars and wounds we are left with are real. Yet — we can rejoice in our sufferings. We are being given the opportunity to follow our Lord who was despised and rejected. Trouble comes, but it can be an opportunity for us to witness to our faith and the hope that is within us. The long night of our wrestling with angels and demons can be an opportunity for us to confess that God is good and faithful.

Trouble happens – but when trouble happens — God is with us.

St Paul tells us in Romans 5:

“We rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God.

And not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,

knowing that suffering produces endurance,

and endurance produces character,

and character produces hope,

and hope does not disappoint us,

because God’s love has been poured into our hearts

through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”

Trouble happens – but when trouble happens — God is with us.

Jacob’s night of wrestling does not end with his being wounded but his being blessed. The man said to Jacob:

“Let me go, for the day is breaking” – but Jacob refuses to let him go. Jacob is asked his name. “And he said, ‘Jacob’” – the supplanter, the cheater, the deceitful one. Then he given a new name, “Israel,” the one who has striven with God and humans.

Jacob does not let the man go until he is blessed.

Trouble happens – but when trouble happens — God is with us.

Our passage ends with Jacob still limping. He names the place by the brook Peniel — “The face of God.”Jacob recognizes that he has wrestled with God – and declares:

“I have seen God face to face and yet my life is preserved.”

Jacob is limping and will for the rest of his life. The scars remain but are not worth comparing with the blessing. St Paul reminds us too, that our sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that is to come.

Trouble happens – but when trouble happens — God is with us.

Trouble comes and we should not be surprised. When trobule happens in your life –remember that in all things God works together for good to those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Trouble happens – but in it’s midst – God is with us – blessing us – strengthening us – and making us the people He would have us be.

Trouble happens.

In the midst of trouble – even though we are wounded – we can have faith.

Amen