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

Genesis 29:15-28

Genesis 29:15-30

Dare To Be Different!

July 27, 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 with God we might be able to run from God’s love – but can not hide.

Today we’re looking at Jacob again – and seeing 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.

Listen to God’s word in Geneses 29:15-30:

Read Scripture

The trickster is tricked!

So might the headline read if this were a story in The Florence Morning News.

Jacob – the one who had tricked his older brother Esau out of his birthright and blessing –

Jacob – the one who had deceived his dying father Isaac into blessing him instead of Esau –

Jacob – the ultimate trickster – is now tricked.

We smile when we read the passage – don’t we?

7 years of labor to marry his love –

then –

a dark night –

a veiled bride –

a shared bed –

then – in the light of morning –

Surprise!

Surprise, indeed!

The trickster is tricked.

The tables are turned.

We may think: “Turn about is fair play!”

It may be hard for us to feel sorry for Jacob.

We may feel he is only getting what he deserves.

We may feel he is only reaping what he has sown.

Maybe you think that’s the message of this passage.

You reap what you sow!

Maybe you think that God may forgive – but that we still have to pay for past actions.

While all this is true – it is also much too easy. Something else is going on here. Something below the surface. Something that may be more important than the first conclusions we easily jump to.

The answers to what else is going on here may be in the character of Jacob in this lesson.

Look at Jacob.

How is he acting?

Is he acting in the same old self-seeking, self-centered, self-serving –

I’m going to get my way even if I have to cheat you to get it – way he has acted in previous passages?

No.

Something is different about Jacob here.

What is it?

He’s letting himself be tricked.

He’s letting himself be taken advantage of.

He’s not just taking what he wants – he’s working for what he wants – and even working double the agreed upon deal.

The Jacob we have known from previous lessons may have just taken Rachel without even consulting Laban – or maybe tricked Laban into giving him Rachel without doing any work – especially after the way Laban tricked him.

But – he doesn’t!

He complies with Laban’s rules – even when Laban changed the rules in mid-stream.

This is not the Jacob we have seen in the past!

This is different!

This is new!

Jacob is different!

He’s not the “same old Jacob” we’ve seen before!

He’s different!

Why?

What has made the difference in Jacob’s life?

Is it love?

Yes.

Oh – so he’s different because of his love for Rachel.

We’ve seen love for a woman change many a man.

But – Jacob’s love for Rachel is only part of the difference.

The difference is love – but to understand that love we have to go back to its source.

Back to last weeks lesson.

Back to God – who made himself known to the desperate fugitive Jacob.

God – who made his love known to Jacob.

God – who changed Jacob’s life!

This encounter with the love of God changed Jacob.

He is different.

He travels on to Haran – but it is a changed man who arrives there.

He’s a man who is no longer pre-occupied with himself – with what he wants – with what’s good for him – but is now concerned with others – with doing for others – serving others –

he is a completely different person with a completely different attitude.

He has been changed by God!

Now – instead of behaving in old – selfish ways – he dares to be different – to be loving – to be caring – even if it means others may take advantage of him – he dares to be different.

Dare to be different!

Dare to be different!

Jacob loves!

He sacrifices!

He cares!

He dares to be different.

Dare to be different!

Dare to be different!

So – there is much more going on here than just the trickster being tricked.

Much more.

This is not just a story of having to pay for past actions –

It is a story of the life-changing, difference-making love of God. This is a story of the love of God that can change us and make us different people. This is a story of God’s love that can change our lives and give us a new way to live. This is a story of how God can change us – and how we can

Dare to be different!

Dare to be different!

We don’t need to laugh too much at Jacob – the old trickster getting his due from Laban – as we need to look at the change – the difference – in Jacob’s life – and see how we can have such a change – such a difference – in ours.

Dare to be different!

Dare to be different!

God’s will was for Jacob to be a different person – one that was not self-centered but God-centered – centered upon God’s will and the good of others. God’s will was for Jacob to be a different person – one willing to do for others – even if it made very little sense – even when it may have meant being taken advantage of. God’s will was for Jacob to be loving – even if it meant risking looking like a fool.

God’s will was for Jacob to dare to be loving – to dare to be caring – to dare to be different –

Dare to be different!

Dare to be different!

And this is God’s will for us, too!

Loving.

Caring.

Different.

Dare to be different!

Dare to be different!

God’s will for our lives is not done if we worry only about ourselves – or what’s good for us – or what we want. God’s will for us is for us to be different from all of this.

God’s will is for us to make a difference in the world as we use our gifts and abilities to show God’s love to all people. Sometimes others will take advantage of us – as Laban did Jacob – but that’s OK -

God’s will is for us to be loving –

be caring –

be different!

God’s will is for us to

Dare to be different!

Dare to be different!

Jacob dared to be different.

Jesus dared to be different.

The Gospel – the Good News of Jesus Christ – is that we can be different people – we can let God make a difference in our lives — as Jacob let God make a difference in his life — then — like Jacob began to make a difference in the lives of others because God had mae a difference in his life — we can be people who are committed to make a difference in the lives of others — making a difference in our world — our families — our community — our church — because God has make a difference in our lives.

In other words, we dare to let God make a difference in our lives — then we dare to be different people because of the difference God has made in our lives – and make a difference in the lives of others.

Once God makes a difference in our lives — as He did in the life of Jacob — we can begin — as did Jacob — to

Dare to be different!

Dare to be different!

Being different.

Letting God make a difference.

Making a difference in the lives of others because God has made a difference in your life.

That’s God’s call to us as individuals – and as a Church.

As a Church we can dare to be different.

As a Church we can dare to do different things.

As a Church we can’t let our past hold us back – but strive into God’s future for us as we do things differently – showing God’s love in new ways.

As a Church we can dare to be different!

Dare to be different!

Dare to be different!

In a few minutes we are going to honor someone who let God make a difference in her life – then shared God’s love in ways that made a difference in the lives of those she touched.

The marker we will dedicate today is in honor of Lydia Gregg – a lady who truly let God’s love make a difference in her live – and made a diofference in the lives of others by sharing God’s love with them.

That’s the kind of folks God wants us to be.

Folks who dare to be different!

Dare to be different!

Dare to be different!

The poet Ann Weems wrote a poem entitled “Our Lord Is Called Hope.” She writes:

Our Lord was a Lord who turned

things upside down and inside out

a man who dined with sinners

a man who befriended prostitutes and tax collectors

a man who was called heretic

a man who broke the Sabbath rules

a man who changed water into wine.

And he bids us o follow Him

to turn things upside down and inside out

to go where the hurting is

to change water into wine

to change who we are into the Kingdom of God.

Weems. Searching for Shalom p.66

Go into the world.

Follow Christ.

Turn things upside down and inside out.

Go where the hurting is.

Change who we are into the people of God.

Jacob experienced God’s love – and he dared to be different.

Our calling is to experience God’s love — then

Dare to be loving

Dare to be caring

Dare to be different.

We are to follow Christ and make a difference with His love in the world.

We are to:

Dare to be different!

Dare to be different! Amen.

Genesis 28:10-19

Genesis 28:10-19

You Can Run – But You Can’t Hide

July 20, 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 continue to look at these stories I believe we will discover 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.

6 weeks ago we looked at the story of Noah in Genesis 6-8 – and saw 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.

5 weeks ago we began the story of Abraham as we looked at Genesis 12:1-9 – and saw 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.

4 weeks ago we continued to story of Abraham by looking at 2 passages in Abraham’s life and journey with God – Genesis 18:1-5 – where we saw how God gave Abraham an unbelieveable promise and vision for his future – and Genesis 21:1-7 – where we saw that God kept that wonderful promise He made.

3 weeks ago we concluded our look at Abraham by seeing how Abraham’s faith in God was tested – and how Abraham passed the test – as we looked at how God called on him to give up that promise and vision for the future God had given him when God called him to sacrifice Isaac. As we looked at this passage we saw how we have to have faith in God – and have to be willing to give up everything for following God’s will.

Last week we began looking at one of Abraham’s grandsons – the son of Isaac – the man Jacob – and as we looked at his birth in Genesis 25:19-34 – we saw that God chooses us – not because of what we deserve – but because of who God is – and that we are saved by God’s grace – and can share God’s saving, gracious love with the world.

We are continuing our look at Jacob today as we see how God was with him – even when he felt alone and desperate. As we look at the story of “Jacob’s Ladder” in Genesis 28:10-19 we are going to see that God is always with us – regardless of how desperate and alone we may feel – and loves us and stands ready to forgive and use us at all times of our lives.

Listen to God’s word in Genesis 28:10-19:

Read Scripture

Have you ever had one of those times when it seemed that everything is going against you –

that no one cares for you – and you feel desperate and alone –

but – suddenly - in the midst of that desperation and loneliness – something happens –

somehow you experience God in a new way - in such a way that it becomes clear to you that God is with you –

and suddenly – you no longer feel so alone - but feel a part of a community – a community that includes none other than God – God’s self?

Ever had an experience like that?

Possibly so.

Many of us can tell stories of times God has come to us – shown us His presence – His love – His care – just when it may have seemed to us that no one cared.

I have had several experiences of times like that.

I remember one time in my ministry when it just seemed that nothing was working right – and I felt very alone.

At that time both churches I served were in a 5 church youth group – and I went with a group of young people to a camp in Tennessee. The first night there I felt frustrated and very alone. As the opening worship service ended, a contemporary version of “Amazing Grace” was playing and the leader for the week was asking the campers to pray for their time at the camp.

Well, I started crying – feeling very alone. But – as I started crying – I felt a hand on my shoulder. One of the young people I had brought up there had their hand on me. The next thing I knew, all the young people I had met had their hands on me and were crying.

I had begun that night feeling alone – angry – and frustrated.

By the end of the service that night I knew that I was not alone – I had young people and adults praying for me – and – beyond that – God was with me.

I will never forget that night – and that feeling.

I learned that – no matter how desperate and alone I felt – God was with me.

Maybe you have gone through similar experiences – and have discovered God with you in the midst of them.

You know — if Jacob could be here today – what a story he could tell!

A story of loneliness.

A story desperation.

A story of feeling that no one cared –

but – in the midst of the loneliness and desperation – his was a story of God -

a story of God revealing God’s self to him –

a story of God’s love – care and promise –

just when he needed it the most.

Look at Jacob in our lesson for today.

He is a fugitive.

A loner.

He has just completed cheating Esau out of his birthright by tricking his father Isaac into blessing him – and now Esau is wanting to kill him.

He is running for his life.

Certainly he feels alone and scared.

He must feel desperate.

Indeed – he may feel that there is no one to care for him – and that especially God doesn’t care for him.

How could God care for a person such as he has turned out to be?

Yes – he had received the blessing from Isaac – but – was it true?

Will God really bless him – after all that he has done?

Indeed – as he travels toward Haran – we can imagine he feels alone – - uncared for – - guilty — desperate.

But – he can’t run 24 hours a day — can he?

No — he must stop and rest at night.

He stops at a place and rests his head upon one of the rocks.

But – his sleep is interrupted.

In his loneliness – his desperation – his running away from Esau and all he knows –

there isGod.

God come to him.

He dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth.

He is not alone.

His world is not simply a place of loneliness and despair – it is also a place of God – a place of God’s presence – a place of God’s promises.

God makes Himself known to Jacob.

God renews the promises he has made to Abraham.

Jacob may have been able to run from Esau – but he was not able to hide from God’s love – God’s care – God’s promises – God’s presence.

He awakens from his dream – and realizes that God was there all along – he just had not realized it.

In his despair – in his loneliness – in his feelings that no one cared – Jacob discovered God’s presence and God’s care.

He was not alone at all.

He was not uncared for at all.

God was with him all along – and he had not realized it.

He moves on in his life with a new perspective – the perspective that God was with him – caring for him – loving him – renewing promises with him – at all times of his life.

Yes – he could run –

but he couldn’t hide from God.

He learned a truth that night –

You can run –but you can’t hide.

You can run –but you can’t hide.

That’s Jacob’s story.

How about you?

How have you experienced God’s love – God’s grace – God’s presence in the midst of loneliness and despair?

How have you experienced God’s presence – especially at the very time you did not realize it?

Maybe in the midst of grief over a friend or loved one who has died.

Maybe in the midst of despair and guilt over something you have done – or something you may feel you should have done but haven’t.

Maybe in the midst of a debilitating illness – whether yours or someone you love.

Or – maybe one of those times when it seems everyone is against you.

But – in the midst of that grief – or that despair – or that guilt –

or that illness – or that loneliness – God in some way makes Himself known to you – letting you know that you are loved and cared for – letting you know that there is no place or no condition that is separated from His love – letting you know that you can run – but you can’t hide – from His love.

You can run –but you can’t hide.

You can run –but you can’t hide.

It doesn’t matter how deep you pain is.

It doesn’t matter how desperate or how alone you feel.

You are not removed from God’s love and care.

There seemed to be no way God would care for Jacob – the lonely, guilty fugitive. God doesn’t love folk like Him - does He?

Yes1

God still loved him – still called him – still cared for him – still made promises to him.

God was still with him.

Wherever he went – whatever he did – whatever happened – there was God.

Indeed – he could run – but he couldn’t hide from God’s love – and neither can you – and neither can I.

You can run –but you can’t hide.

You can run –but you can’t hide.

You can’t hide from God’s love – God’s care – God’s presence.

God is always there loving you – caring for you.

It is important to remember jut how guilty Jacob was. He had done wrong. He had cheated his brother and lied to his dying father. And yet – God was still with him.

We may be able to understand God’s love and care when things happen to us that we are not responsible for – death – illness even those times people go against us for reasons that are not our fault. At the times we have done nothing to deserve the desperate feelings and loneliness it may be easy for us to understand and experience God.

But what about those times when we deserve to feel desperate – guilty – and alone?

What about those times when our actions have brought us to this lonely – desperate place?

Does God still care then?

Does God still love us?

Yes.

Regardless of how far away we may have wandered from being God’s people – God cares.

Regardless of what we may have done – how guilty we may feel – how much we may want to run and hide from God – regardless of how far down that road to hell we may have gone

You can run –but you can’t hide.

You can run –but you can’t hide.

God is there.

God still loves you.

God still cares for you.

God still saves you.

A friend once gave me a wise saying they got a great deal of peace and reassurance from. They suggested to me that I look at it every time I feel alone and unloved — regardless of why.

The saying is anonymous — but wise and true. I have lost the slip of paper I was given with the saying on it – but I remember the saying.

The saying states:

“These feelings — strong as they may be,

are not telling me the truth about myself.

The truth, even though I cannot feel it right now,

is that I am a chosen child of God —

precious in God’s eyes, called the Beloved from

all eternity, and held safe in an everlasting embrace.”

Regardless of how Jacob felt — the truth was that he was still loved by God.

Regardless of how you may feel at times — that truth is that you are still loved by God.

When you feel alone — desperate — that no one cares – you may not know why you feel that way — but God knows — and – God wants you to know that He is with you!

If it is because of the death of a friend or loved one — God is with you!

If it is because of guilt over things you have done or things you feel you should have done but didn’t — God is with you!

Is it because of illness — whether yours or someone you love – God is with you!

If it is that everyone is against you for whatever reason – God is with you!

God is with you – loving you – calling you – ready to make promises and keep promises to you.

If the feelings of despair and loneliness are brought on by things you had nothing to do with – God is with you.

If – like Jacob – they are brought on by your actions – God is with you.

Jacob’s life was changed by his experience of God. He still made mistakes – but began trying to live in God’s ways. He experienced God’s loving presence in the midst of his despair – it made a difference in his life – and he quit trying to run from God but began living in God’s loving ways. He saw that he could run – but he could not hide from God’s love.

You can run –but you can’t hide.

You can run –but you can’t hide.

Whenever you feel lonely and desperate – whatever your reasons are – know that God is with you – you can claim God’s promises – you can live in God’s love – you are not alone!

You can run –but you can’t hide.

You can run –but you can’t hide.

Amen.

Genesis 25:19-34

Genesis 25:19-34

Called By Grace!

July 13, 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 continue to look at these stories I believe we will discover 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.

5 weeks ago we looked at the story of Noah in Genesis 6-8 – and saw 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.

4 weeks ago we began the story of Abraham as we looked at Genesis 12:1-9 – and saw 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.

3 weeks ago we continued to story of Abraham by looking at 2 passages in Abraham’s life and journey with God – Genesis 18:1-5 – where we saw how God gave Abraham an unbeliveable promise and vision for his future – and Genesis 21:1-7 – where we saw that God kept that wonderful promise He made.

2 weeks ago we concluded our look at Abraham by seeing how Abraham’s faith in God was tested – and how Abraham passed the test – as we looked at how God called on him to give up that promise and vision for the future God had given him when God called him to sacrifice Isaac. As we looked at this passage we saw how we have to have faith in God – and have to be willing to give up everything for following God’s will.

Today we are going to begin looking at one of Abraham’s grandsons – the son of Isaac – the man Jacob. As we look at Jacob – particularly today as we look at his birth – we are going to see that God chooses us – not because of what we deserve – but because of who God is – and that we are saved by God’s grace – and can share God’s saving, gracious love with the world.

Listen to God’s word in Genesis 25:19-34:

Read Scripture

Have you ever wondered why God calls who God calls?

Have you ever wondered why God loves all people – even those who don’t seem to “fit” – or “deserve” – God’s love?

How odd!

How odd of God to choose that person.

We might say that – if it were left up to us, we certainly would have never chosen that particular person to love – to call our own.

We like to make judgments about who God loves – who God calls – who God’s love and grace are extended to – don’t we?

Oh – certainly that person over there would never be loved or chosen by God.

Just look at the type of person they are!

Just look at how they’ve lived!

And when people change – when people say they’ve experienced God’s love and want to give their lives to God – we may wonder just what it is they are really up to –

We know how they’ve lived -

Surely God can’t love and forgive someone like them — why should we?

Why – we’ve tried to live in God’s ways all our lives – there is no way this person is going to come along and receive God’s love and grace – not after all they’ve done – not after how they’ve lived!

Ever had those kind of thoughts?

Maybe so.

It is a common way of thinking — isn’t it?

Thinking we know who God loves and who God doesn’t.

Thinking we know who God calls and who God doesn’t.

And yet –

God continues to surprise us – doesn’t He?

He continues to choose those we would have never thought He would choose.

He continues to love those we would have never thought He would love.

He continues to make His people those we would have never thought would be His!

How odd!

Indeed – God’s love and grace extends to those we would have never imagined.

Look at Jacob.

No one would have guessed that Jacob was going to be blessed by God in a special way.

First of all – he was the youngest – the second-born of the twins. Everyone knows its the first born who gets the inheritance – the birthright.

Surely Esau will be the one to carry on the promise God made to his grandfather Abraham – the promise of descendants and blessing.

Surely Esau – the firstborn – will carry on God’s promises.

And another thing – Jacob was much too conniving – much to tricky – much too dishonest to receive blessings from God.

There was no way Jacob was going to be blessed by God.

There was no way Jacob was going to be chosen to carry on the promise God gave to Abraham.

And yet –

What is that God says?

The older shall serve the younger?

No – God – that’s not the way it’s done!

You can’t choose Jacob – he’s not the oldest – he’s not “your kind of person.”

There must be some mistake.

And yet – what happens?

God – in His grace and love – calls Jacob.

God – in His grace and love – acts in a way that is completely against how we would expect God to act.

God – in His grace and love – blesses young, conniving, sneaky, Jacob – not older, more stable Esau.

Jacob is called by God – not because of his place in the family or even because of who he is or what he has done – but almost despite all these things.

Jacob is called because of God’s grace – God’s grace that extends to all people – no matter who they are or what they have done.

Jacob is called by God’s grace.

So are you.

So am I.

We are called – not because of who we are or what we have done – but because of who God is — and what God has done – and what God continues to do.

We are called by God’s grace!

We are

Called by grace.

Called by grace.

It is indeed odd –

it is indeed strange –

it indeed does not make sense –

but that’s how God’s love is!

We are all

Called by grace.

Called by grace.

God is free to love who God chooses — – free to choose whom His will - free to call whoever He will.

We are all

Called by grace.

Called by grace.

So – before we start questioning why God has chosen someone – maybe we should consider why God has chosen us!

Maybe we are not as perfect as we would like to think!

No – even though our sins may be different from others – they are still sins.

We aren’t perfect.

We haven’t done a thing to deserve God’s love – God’s grace – God’s call.

It is given to us – jut because of who God is!

We are all

Called by grace.

Called by grace.

A minister candidate was coming into a Presbytery in Alambama and was being questioned on the floor of a Presbytery meeting about his beliefs about God. The other ministers in this Alabama Presbytery wanted to insure that no one came into their hallowed ground that did not believe the right things.

One of the older ministers stood and asked him:

“Young man — I see from your statement you have provided for us that you believe that God calls all people into service. Now — surely you’re not saying that God calls all people — are you? Don’t you mean that God saves those who love God?”

The young candidate looked at the older minister and replied —

“I guess what I mean is that if God can save and call me to service — He can certainly save and call anyone else.”

Indeed — we are all

Called by grace.

Called by grace.

Now — we have to be careful at this point.

Even though we are called by God — loved by God — cared for by God — and forgiven by God purely and simply because of His grace and not because of anything we have done to deserve God’s love — acceptance — care — and forgiveness —

we can’t just take God’s love – acceptance – care – forgiveness – and call for granted.

You see — even though God’s love – acceptance – care – forgiveness – and call are for all people — we must respond to it.

We must respond to God’s love.

We must respond to God’s grace.

We can not think that it is ours without working to claim it and live in it.

Maybe that was Esau’s problem.

Maybe he just took it for granted that – sense he was the oldest – he would inherit the promise – the blessings God had bestowed upon his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac. Maybe he thought it was his – and he didn’t have to claim it and live in it – and let it change his life.

Maybe he was so confident that God loved – cared for – and called him that he actually traded away God’s call. Maybe God’s love and call was not important to him – or at least not as important as the things of the world – a bowl of stew – physical needs.

We may believe that Jacob cheated Esau out of his birthright – but actually it seems that Esau cheated himself.

He cheated himself out of God’s love – out of God’s grace –

God’s call to be God’s person – that call that was there for him just as it was there for Jacob – by not claiming it – by not taking it seriously.

Yes – we are called by grace – by a gracious – loving – caring – forgiving God – but we have to respond to that love – that care – that grace – that forgiveness. We have to respond to God.

When we don’t – we are only cheating ourselves.

Yes – we are saved by God’s grace – but it is up to us to respond to God’s grace!

We are

Called by grace.

Called by grace.

It is up to us to respond – to not let anything else matter as much to us as does God’s claim on our lives and call to us – and share that claim and call and love with the world.

Instead of questioning why God has loved and called others – we can celebrate that God has called and loved us – and others!

As sinful as we are – God has called us – not because of who we are – but because of who God is!

Celebrate your call by God’s grace!

Claim your call by God’s grace!

Let God know how excited you are that He has chosen you!

How?

How do we live as a person called by God’s grace?

By being God’s people!

By living in God’s ways!

By giving up our old ways of sins and beginning to live in Gods new ways of grace.

By sharing God’s love and grace with others.

We are all

Called by grace.

Called by grace.

Not because of anything we have done – but because of who God is!

Let that change your life!

Live in a new way because of God’s love for you!

Love and accept others – because God has loved and accepted you!

Show God’s love to others because He has shown His love to you!

Get excited about your call by God and the new life God gives to you!

Live as if you realize that we are all called by God’s grace.

Live as if you know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you are

Called by grace.

Called by grace.

and you know that God’s gracious call is the most important thing that can or will ever happen to you!

God is a powerful – loving – caring – accepting – calling God who calls us to love – care for – and accept others in a powerful way. Instead of judging others – we can love them. Instead of choosing who we will reach out to with God’s love – we can reach out to all – as God has done.

We are all

Called by grace.

Called by grace.

We can be accepting – loving – caring people – we can be a church that reaches out to others and shows God’s love to all – because we are accepted – loved – and cared for by God.

We can be a church that is so excited about God’s love and gracious call that others see our excitement and want to be a part of it.

Several years ago the “Gasoline Alley” comic strip in our local North Carolina newspaper had the characters Slim and Clovia in the audiance at what was a take-off on the Jerry Springer show.

The audiance was chanting — “Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!”

Clovia looked at Slim and said —

“would’t it be great if folks got this excited in church?”

Yes — indeed it would!

It’s exciting that we are

Called by grace.

Called by grace.

Let it excite you — and share that excitement with the world. Amen.

Genesis 22:1-18

Genesis 22:1-18

Can We Pass The Test?

June 29, 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 will discover 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.

3 weeks ago we looked at the story of Noah in Genesis 6-8 – and saw 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.

2 weeks ago we began the story of Abraham as we looked at Genesis 12:1-9 – and saw 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.

Last week we continued to story of Abraham by looking at 2 passages in Abraham’s life and journey with God – Genesis 18:1-5 – where we saw how God gave Abraham an unbelieveable promise and vision for his future – and Genesis 21:1-7 – where we saw that God kept that wonderful promise He made.

Today we are going to see how Abraham’s faith in God was tested – and how Abraham passed the test – as we look at how God called on him to give up that promise and vision for the future God had given him when God called him to sacrifice Isaac. As we look at this passage we will see how we have to have faith in God – and have to be willing to give up everything for following God’s will.

Listen to God’s word in Genesis 22:1-18.

Read Scripture

I have never liked exams.

I am one of those people that has “test-itis” when it comes to taking tests. I didn’t look forward to exam week in school. I don’t even like examinations by doctors. I don’t even like those electronic tests they do on your automobile engines. I’m always afraid it’s going to cost me a lot of money.

The test that scarred me the most was when I had to drive to qualify for my driver’s license. I was intimidated, nervous and afraid of failing. In fact, in my first attempt to pass my driving test, I failed.

Do you have “test-itis?”

Do you fear those moments in life when you have to make a decision?

More importantly, do you have faith that the decisions you make are the right ones?

No story has puzzled people of the faith more than this story we have before us today – - God calling Abraham to sacrifice Isaac – the very one God had miraculously blessed Abraham with not many years before.

Why would a loving God test a man’s faith with the sacrifice of his son? The whole incident seems strange. I can’t imagine being in a situation where I was asked to sacrifice one of my children.

Some scholars believe that the voice that told Abraham to slay his son was not the voice of God. Perhaps Abraham was listening to the voice of culture. At the time human sacrifice was a common practice. Maybe God wanted this story here to make a statement that human sacrifice was all wrong and therefore intervened to stop it.

I suppose that is a possibility but I think it may be just another way of rationalizing the story to somehow make sense of what happened.

Since when does God make sense? Remember this is the same God who gave a son to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. That story was absurd, just as this one is.

God is absurd and the voice of God sometimes calls us to absurdity.

This was the same God who told Noah to build an ark on dry land.

How crazy is that?

This is the same God that will lead the Israelites across the Red Sea.

Talk about crazy!

This is the same God who will come into the world through Jesus Christ – be born in obscure little Bethlehem – live and teach and heal – give of Himself by a death on the cross – and yet rise again and promise us new life.

Isn’t just the craziest thing you’ve ever heard?

The God of absurdity puts Abraham to this horrific test.

Fortunately, Abraham passed the test — and the story had a happy ending.

What was this test all about?

Well – I believe that God’s test of Abraham had to be one where there could be no question about Abraham’s faith. God needed Abraham to be a leader and God had to determine whether or not Abraham was up to the test.

But Abraham is not acting on blind faith here. God has already demonstrated the impossible by giving him Isaac, his first born son, and followed through on that promise. God made a covenant with Noah and promised Abraham land and descendants.

This story is difficult for us to comprehend since it appears to put Abraham’s son, Isaac, in grave danger. But — I don’t believe that God ever intended that any harm would come to Isaac. I believe God could have intervened at any point along the way.

At first glance this story may be offensive to us, but sometimes the only way God can get our attention is to do the impossible – to do the absurd – to do the ridiculous.

When I first entered the ministry my friends from the past laughed. They had never heard of such a ridiculous thing – Bill Hayes – of all people – becoming a minister. It was ridiculous. It was absurd. It was crazy. But – it was true. I wasn’t too sure about it myself at first – but have came to realize that I do have gifts God can use – as crazy as it may seem.

What Abraham demonstrated in this story is a complete surrender of his will to God. Abraham was able to put aside his feelings of what made sense – and put his trust in what God was calling him to do – whether it made sense to him or not.

Abraham proceeded to do what God instructed him to do – without hesitation — without complaining — without debate – even when it made no sense to him. Abraham accepted the challenge God put before him — and ultimately passed his test.

Maybe you wonder why Abraham would consider such an absurd exam.

The secret for Abraham is that he never thought would not provide for him. Abraham proceeded because he trusted in God completely. Notice that Abraham responded to God by saying, “Here I am.” He was ready and willing as he responded to the call.

For Abraham, there were no excuses. There is no other agenda.

God called– Abraham responded. It was just that simple.

He prepared himself for the journey and proceeded. He didn’t look at his appointment book or ask his family if they had plans. He didn’t have to think it over or sleep on it. He didn’t say, “I’ll get back to you.” He didn’t say, “You know I’d really like to, but…”

What God wanted was Abraham’s absolute commitment and unqualified faith — and Abraham came through with flying colors.

Notice also that when Isaac questioned his father about the lamb, Abraham told him that “God would provide the lamb for the burnt offering.”

Abraham had complete faith in God that whatever resources were necessary for the mission would be available. There was no reason to worry since God would provide for all his needs.

But — it is not enough that Abraham just believed in God. Abraham had to make the journey — he had to go the distance. This is illustrated by the fact that they travel for three days. And God didn’t intervene until the very last moment when Abraham reached for the knife. God had seen enough. God was convinced that Abraham could be trusted. It was then that the angel of God said, “For now I know that you fear God.”

Yea – this is a tough story – a story we don’t particularly like.

But – it’s an important story for us.

One reason we don’t like this story is because we don’t like the idea of God asking for a human sacrifice. But – there’s another reason we may not like this story.

We may not like it because of what it asks of us.

This story asks us to be willing to do what God calls us to do – even when it seems crazy and absurd.

This story calls on us to sacrifice things that are important to us if that’s what God calls us to do.

This story calls us to be willing to “go the distance” – to be willing to do the hard and difficult things – knowing that – if that’s what God calls us to do – that God will provide for us.

So – we have some hard questions here:

Are we willing to go the distance for our faith?

Are we?

For Abraham, going the distance meant taking a test which could have had dire consequences. It meant trusting in God, who in the past had made extraordinary requests from other leaders of the faith, like Noah. It meant believing that God would provide all of his needs. It meant that the God of absurdity would call him to do what seemed like other ridiculous tasks in the future.

So – what do you think?

Are we up to such a test?

Are you up to such a test?

I believe that most of us are creatures of habit and strive to be comfortable with the status quo. We don’t like it when we are asked to do things that are different or that don’t make sense to us. We don’t want to be different. We don’t want to be known as people who do crazy things. We don’t like risks and we don’t like to lose. We would rather know what’s on the exam in advance or “cheat” our way through life.

But – God keeps calling.

God keeps calling us to do things that may not make a lot of sense.

Things like reaching out to the community with His love.

Things like going out of our way to make sure that God’s work is being done.

Things like looking for new ways to reach people with the love of God – even if it means doing things in new ways or even doing new things.

Things like changing what we do as individuals and as a Church so that God’s things can be done and the community and the world can learn about God.

Things like volunteering to help with things that may not directly help us but will help others.

Things that may sound crazy.

But – things that are God’s will – and things God will provide ways for us to do if we will step out in faith – follow God – and do them.

Can we pass the test?

Abraham had faith in God – and passed his test – knowing that – if he stepped out in faith and did what God was calling him to do – God would provide.

Can we pass the test?

This Friday is the Fourth of July. I seem to remember that some very insane revolutionaries decided to take on England and fight for independence. They were greatly outnumbered, lacked training and resources and their government was fragile and unorganized. Yet, they prevailed. They passed the test because they were committed and had faith that what they were fighting for was right.

Can we pass the test?

We all have dreams, beliefs and goals that are never reached because we fail to live up to the test.

God wants us to have faith and support that faith with commitment.

God wants us to trust that He will provide for us in the future just as He has provided for us in the past.

God wants us to do new things – to grow – to grow into the Church He wills for us to be – even when some of the things He calls us to do are new and make little sense.

God calls us to know that – if we step out in faith – He will provide.

So – can we pass the test?

Can we step out – and go all the way – doing the things God calls us to be doing – and knowing God will provide a way for us?

Can we pass the test? Amen.

Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7

Genesis 18:1-15

Genesis 21:1-7

God Is A Promise – Keeper

June 22, 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 will discover 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.

Two weeks ago we looked at the story of Noah in Genesis 6-8 – and saw 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.

Last week we began the story of Abraham as we looked at Genesis 12:1-9 – and saw 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.

Today we are going to look at 2 passages in Abraham’s life and journey with God – Genesis 18:1-5 – where we will see that God gives Abraham an unbelieveable promise and vision for his future – and Genesis 21:1-7 – where we will see that God keeps that wonderful promise He made.

As we look at these 2 passages we are going to see that God makes – and keeps – promises to us – and calls us to be folks who make – and keep – promises.

Listen to God’s word in Genesis 18:1-5 and Genesis 21:1-7.

Read Scripture

Have you ever had someone tell you something that was so

incredible – so ridiculously silly – that you felt that there was just no way it could be true?

What was your first response?

Did you want to laugh?

Maybe.

Maybe you did laugh.

Someone calls you and says:

“You just won 10 million dollars!”

And you say:

“OK – Quit playing around – who is this? I know its a trick”

Some promises are, indeed, too good to be true.

If you can imagine your reaction to unbelievable news, then maybe you can identify with Sarah and Abraham.

God tells Abraham that Sarah will bear him a son.

God continues to promise Abraham descendants.

Sarah and Abraham will have a son!

It’s incredible news!

It’s unbelievable!

It’s too good to be true!

And Sarah laughs.

“Come on, you’ve got to be kidding” – - she’s probably thinking -

“It can’t be true!”

“No way!”

“Not me – I’m too old.”

But again – God says that it will happen.

God – who had promised Abraham descendents years before – had every intention of keeping that promise.

And what happens?

As ludicrous as it may seem –

As incredible as it appears –

As unbelievable as it may look –

It happens!

Sarah gives birth!

Isaac is born!

And again – Sarah laughs – but this time not incredulously but joyously.

Laughter that something considered impossible has suddenly become possible. Laughter that new life had come from what appeared to be a dead-end.

Laughter that God was keeping His promises.

But — that’s the kind of God they served!

That’s the kind of God we serve!

Friends — the God Abraham and Sarah served —

the God we serve —

was —

and still is —

a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

As impossible as it may seem – -

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

New life is possible!

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

Joy can come from sorrow!

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

Hope can come from hopelessness!

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

Indeed – God kept His promise and Sarah gave birth – new hope and new joy sprang from what had appeared to be a barren, hopeless situation.

A good story – isn’t it?

Yes – a story of hope and joy and new life for Abraham and Sarah – and for us.

God promised new life for Abraham – and it happened – just when it looked as if it would never happen.

God promises new life for us – and guess what?

It happens!

It happens!

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

It may seem that new life is impossible – but

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

God promises to us — to you — may not be literal new life as it was for Abraham with the birth of Isaac — but His promise to you is just as real and just as powerful.

God can give you new life!

God can give you a new way to live!

You don’t have to live in the old ways of sin – of hatred – ways that inflict pain – ways of hopelessness and despair – the ways that separate you from God and others – ways that will ultimately lead you to hell – but you can live in the ways of love – of understanding – of hope – ways that will ultimately lead to heaven.

God promises this – - and

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

God also promises new life for the Church – this particular Church.

God promises that Hopewell can be a Church filled with excitement and enthusiasm – that each of us can be filled with a vision for the ministry God is calling us to do in the world – and can be filled with excitement over doing the ministry God calls us to be doing.

We don’t have to keep doing things in the same old ways — but we can be blessed with new ways to do things and new ways to reach out to others – to reach out to the community – with God’s love.

God promises new life – for us as individual Christians – and for us a Church.

And – God is a promise keeper

God is a promise keeper.

Now – when you hear me saying that you don’t have to live in the ways of sin – of hatred – of pain – of hopelessness and despair –

and that – as a Church – we don’t have to keep doing things the same ways but can be blessed with new ways to do things and new ways to reach out to others – to reach out to the community – with God’s love —

you may want to respond like Sarah.

“Give me a break!” You may want to say.

“I’ve heard that so many times before – but nothing ever changes. Everything remains the same. I’ll never change. This Church will never change.”

Indeed – the idea of changing – of becoming a person of love and hope and understanding instead of hatred and pain – the idea of truly being able to be the person God is calling you to be – the idea of the Church truly becoming the Church God may be calling it to be — may seem a bit ridiculous – or even very ridiculous.

But – then again – it’s not laughing matter – is it?

It wasn’t funny to Sarah that she had not been able to have children.

I’m sure she felt a lot of personal pain because of this.

She may have felt it was her fault that God’s promise of descendants wasn’t coming true.

She may have felt it was her fault that Abraham still had no children.

But – she had tried!

O — how she had tried!

If she could have willed a child for Abraham it would have been born years ago.

Yes – she laughed at the thought of having a child – but actually it was a subject of pain and not a subject of joy.

You know – the fact that it is so hard for us to live the life God calls us to live – the fact that it is so hard for us to live the new life God promises us – the fact that it is hard for us to make changes as a Church and try new ways of doing things – these are not laughing matters for us, either – are they?

We know haw hard we try to change!

We know how badly we want to be different!

We know how much we want to be loving and caring – and not hurting others but loving them – not saying things that hurt but things that make them feel good – not putting them down but building them up –

We know haw badly we want to do what is right!

We know how badly we want to be the people God has called us to be.

We know how badly we want to be a Church that is trying new things and doing God’s work in the community!

We know how badly we want to be a Church that makes a difference for God in the world!

These things are really not laughing matters – are they?

But – like God was with Sarah – so God is with us!

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

God keeps lifting us up.

God is a promise – keeper!

`God is a promise – keeper!

God keeps giving us strength.

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

God keeps changing us.

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

God keeps making us new people.

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

God keeps renewing Churches.

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

Paul writes in Romans about that the wages of sin is death.

Did you catch that?

Death!

Separation!

Hell!

This is where our lives are heading without God’s promises!

It’s not what we want for ourselves – it’s not what God wants for us – but it’s what happens when we fail to live in the new life God calls us to.

But – that is not the end — it is not the end hope for mankind — nor is it the end of Paul’s sentence here in Romans. Paul concludes that sentence in Romans by saying that new life is the promise through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Did you catch that?

New life is the promise through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Friends – God is a promise – keeper.

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

God redeems us – through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God gives us new promises through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God renews Churches through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Through Jesus Christ – God is a promise – keeper.

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

New life is possible!

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

A new and renewed Church is possible!

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

But- only through Jesus Christ.

Bruce Reyes – Chow is a candidate for moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Over the past few months he has fielded many questions about what our denomination needs to do to stem the tide of membership losses and begin a new tide of membership gains. A few weeks ago he posted this response on his blog about whether the Presbyterian Church could change:

if we can center our lives on the transformational nature of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I have no doubt that will be changed. And that gives me hope. I hope it does for you as well.

Sarah could not fulfill God’s promises on her own.

We can not fulfill them on our own - but – with God – they are fulfilled.

God kept his promises to Abraham and Sarah.

God keeps His promises to us.

God keeps His promises to you.

As incredible as it may seem – you can be made new!

Let God do it!

Let God make a difference in your life!

Let God change you!

As incredible as it may sound – we as a Church can be made new!

Let God do it!

Let God make a difference in your life – and that will make a difference in the life of the Church!

Let God change you – and that will change the Church!

Let God make you the person God would have you to be – not living in sin – not living with anger and despair and hopelessness — not heading to hell – but in love -in hope – showing His love to others – heading to heaven.

Let God make us as His Church the Church He wants us to be – a Church filled with excitement and filled with the new plans and new ways for reaching out into the community with God’s love!

God promises that we can be made new!

God promised new life to Abraham and Sarah!

God promises new life to you!

God promises new life to this Church!

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

But — what about you?

What about us?

Do you keep your promises to God?

Do you live up to your end of the bargain?

Do we keep our promises to God?

Do we – as a Church – live up to our end of the bargain?

Are you a promise keeper?

Are you a promise keeper?

Once you realize and claim God’s promises in you life — your response is to make a promise to Him — a promise to live the life God calls you to live — a commitment — a promise — to God –

to His work —

to His will —

whether it be in the area of the church – the community – the world – or wherever God’s call and promises may lead you.

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

Are you?

Are we – as a Church?

Several years ago a Men’s Movement called the Promise Keepers emerged where men were urged to keep their promises to God — their families — their community — and the world.

I want to encourage each of us today to be promise keepers for God.

God has kept His promises — and has blessed you.

Have you kept your promises to God?

God has kept His promises to us as a Church – and blessed us as a Church.

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

Are you are a promise – keeper?

Are you a promise – keeper?

God completely changed Abraham and Sarah’s life —

God can completely change you!

God can completely change us – as a Church.

God is a promise – keeper!

God is a promise – keeper!

Let God change you!

Let God change us – as a Church!

We will discover that

God is a promise – keeper!

And – we can be promise – keepers also. Amen.

Genesis 12:1-9

Genesis 12:1-9

Stepping Out – In Faith

June 15, 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 will discover 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.

Last week we looked at the story of Noah in Genesis 6-8 – and saw 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.

Today we are going to begin the story of Abraham – or Abram as he is referred to in our passage for today – as we look at Genesis 12:1-9 – and as we look at this passage we will see 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.

Listen to God’s word in Genesis 12:1-9

Read Scripture

In the book Chicken Soup For The Soul, there is an article entitled, “The Great Escape.” It tells about Wendy Marston and the time she moved away from her home in Colorado to attend Columbia University in New York City. Her story is like thousands of other young people who have moved away from home in order to get an education. And, like many others, Wendy didn’t find the experience easy.

She didn’t seem to fit in with the insanity of New York City.

Joining the Rowing Crew at the University seemed like a good idea – but the thought of getting up at 5:30 AM for practice didn’t appeal to her. She dated an actor for awhile, only to have him dump her for someone else. She even tried throwing herself into her schoolwork, but that didn’t seem to work either. Finally, she started waitressing at a local coffee shop and things began to turn around for her. There she met a new friend and the two of them worked on their schoolwork together. Inside the coffee shop there was a casual atmosphere and Wendy had the opportunity to interact with some of her college professors on a one-to-one basis. She made a close circle of friends and that helped her throughout her career at Columbia and beyond.

Now – what impresses me that Wendy Marston is that she learned she could take risks and try new things until she found something that worked.

But what impressed me more was her personal discovery. She realized that her journey wasn’t about becoming some new person. Rather, it was simply figuring out that she could be comfortable with the person God called her to be.

A lot of times we have to try new things – take risks – try new things or try doing old things in new ways – to truly discover the person God is calling us to be.

In all my research about Abraham in preparing this sermon – all the information I gathered from scholars and preachers — no one gave me as much insight about the story of Abraham than the story of Wendy Marston. She helped me realize that Abraham’s step of faith was not just about leaving his parents. It was about trusting God enough to step out in faith – to try new things – to sometimes try new things and sometimes try old things in new ways – and discover who God was calling him to be.

The story of Abraham is a story of stepping out in faith.

The story of Abraham is about taking risks.

God calls Abraham to leave his country – his people – and his household. Notice the progression from things not as important to things very important here. His country was important – but leaving his country was not as big a deal as leaving his people – but even leaving his people was not as big a deal as leaving his father’s household – especially in a society where family took care of each other and your family was your “safety net” if you had troubles. There was no government welfare system for those “sown on their luck” – only family. So leaving his father’s household would have been gut-wrenching for Abraham.

But – what did Abraham do?

We find the answer in verse 4:

So Abram left, as the LORD had told him

He stepped out – in faith.

He tried to new thing – in faith.

He learned how to do old things in new ways – in faith.

And – he was blessed and discovered the person God had in mind for him to be all along – and became a blessing to many – because of his faith.

By stepping out in faith — as instructed by God — Abraham was able to break away from the things he was used to and the way he had always done things — and put his trust totally in the hands of God. His life was now a new adventure—and he had no choice but to trust in God and – and proceed with faith.

The story of Abraham is a story of stepping out in faith

There are times when all of us are afraid to step out in faith. We are accustomed to our safety net. We get used to doing the same things in the same ways and don’t want to even consider doing them differently. We like to remain in our comfort zones where everything is predictable and known.

But — notice that when God tells Abraham to leave his country – his people – and his father’s house — He is also promised Abraham would be blessed. Had Abraham remained in his safety net – doing everything the same way he always did them and never trying anything new or different – he would have missed many blessings during his journey with God.

Shortly after moving here I began a new morning routine of going to the store around 7:30 every Monday – Thursday morning for coffee, a devotional time with a group of guys, and fellowship. By around 8:30 I’m in the office at the Church. To do this, I had to change some things about my routine. I was used to getting up around 6:00 – having my devotional – reading the paper – checking my e-mails – eating breakfast – then maybe getting to work around 9:00 – sometimes later. But now I get up a little earlier – eat a quicker breakfast and have my devotional time – then go to the store. I check e-mails later and read the paper at night. Getting used to a new routine was not easy for me – I can easily get locked in to routines and habits – but adapting my morning schedule and adopting a new routine has been a blessing for me. I have been blessed with new friendships – gotten to know people I would not have normally met had I not changed my routine – and gotten to know folks in the community in a new way and on a much deeper level. I also am at the Church working earlier than I would have been!

It can be difficult to make changes in our lives – to begin doing new things or old things in new ways — even when we know that making such changes are good for us. I’m still struggling with finding the time to exercise on a weekly basis – even though I know it would be good for me to do so. But – like a lot of people – I use the feeling that I don’t have time to exercise as an excuse. If we’ll just make the time to do new things – or make the time to figure out how to do old things in a new way – we just might discover God’s blessings for us and plan for our lives.

Stepping out and doing new things.

Stepping out and doing old things in new ways.

Stepping out in faith.

Maybe part of the problem we have with stepping out in faith – doing new things – or doing old things in new ways — is the fact that we expect instant results.

That certainly wasn’t the case with Abraham. There were years of hardship as he proceeded on his journey. But, there were also moments where Abraham realized the goodness of God praised and worshipped God – who was with him all the way.

Why don’t we leave our comfort zones and try new things?

Why don’t we try doing new things – or try doing old things in new ways?

Is it because we lack faith?

Do we not trust that God will bless us?

A lot of times it’s because we get stuck.

We might have the resources — and even have the faith — but we might have a perception of reality that is no longer valid. We might believe that what worked in the past will continue to work in the future.

I have a friend whose father had his own business. He was very successful — and sold his business in the early 1980’s. He then started a new business in Florida – but this time he business struggled. The reason he struggled was that he wasn’t keeping up with the competition. He was using sales techniques that worked in the past but not at that time. He also resisted the use of computers which would have enhanced his ability to be competitive in the marketplace. In other words, his techniques and sales strategies were outdated – and his business suffered.

Now — I have to admit that computers are sometimes frustrating. They at times “have minds of their own” and are usually “smarter than we are”. On the other hand, life with computers has given me many blessings. Desk top publishing has made writing a lot faster and reduced the number of errors. E-mail and the Internet has opened up a whole new world of resources. All that came about because I was open to a new way of writing and adapting it to my work in the church. It’s hard to believe – but when I first began my ministry in 1984 I didn’t have a computer at the Church and did not have one at home. I either handwrote everything or typed it on a typewriter – or handwrote it and got Sally to type it for me. I had to either buy books and commentaries of go to the library to research things. Things are much different now! I can type things on the computer – research things on the internet – and e-mail someone – in a matter of seconds.

Yea — trying new experiences and making changes in our lives doesn’t come without difficulty. It isn’t easy sometimes to try new things or try new ways to do old things – but we can expect that blessings will come when we are willing to learn new things – learn new ways to do things – and step out in faith.

Stepping out and doing new things.

Stepping out and doing old things in new ways.

Stepping out in faith.

Now – some of you might say that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. You know what?

Abraham wasn’t middle-aged when he responded to the call of God.

Abraham was old.

Yet, age was no barrier for him in stepping out in faith. He listened to God’s challenge and went, trusting that God would be with him and believing he would be blessed. Had Abraham not listened to God and stayed where he was, he might not have received the blessing God later gave Him. Age does not have to be a barrier when it comes to accepting change and new perceptions. I heard recently about a 98 year old man who graduated from college. He did it for no other reason except for following through on a personal goal. Now he is being blessed as the news of his academic achievement has become a national story.

Stepping out and doing new things.

Stepping out and doing old things in new ways.

Stepping out in faith.

That’s the story of Abraham.

It can be our story also.

We can’t let ourselves – as individuals – become so comfortable with the way things are and the way things have always been – and the way we have always done things – that we refuse to follow God’s call to try new things and new ways of doing old things.

The resistance to trying new things or new ways for doing old things finds it’s way into the Church many times. We become comfortable with the way we do things – we become comfortable with the things we are doing – and we don’t look for new things to do or new ways to do what we are doing. We resist change. We resist doing new things or new ways to do what we are already doing.

You’ve probably heard the old joke –

How many church members does it take to change a light bulb?

And the answer –

“Change? What do you mean change? My granddaddy gave that light bulb and if it was good enough for him it’s good enough for us!”

Yea – we don’t like change.

We get stuck doing the same things the same way – over and over – and don’t realize that those ways may have worked at some point – but don’t work any more. Like my friends father who failed in his second business by trying to do business in the 1980’s the same way he did it in the 1950’s – we fail to reach people and fail to be the Church God is calling us to be because we are try to do things like we always have – even when they don’t work any more.

Like Abraham – there are time we need to try new things.

Like Abraham – there are times we need to try new ways to do old things.

Like Abraham – there are times we need to step out in faith.

Some of you have heard me give my definition of the word “insanity”:

Doing the same thing the same way but expecting different results

That’s insanity!

Like Abraham – there are time we need to try new things.

Like Abraham – there are times we need to try new ways to do old things.

Like Abraham – there are times we need to step out in faith.

You also may have heard me give what I call “the 7 last words of a Church”.

“We’ve never done it that way before!”

There is also a variation on that:

“This is how it’s always been done!”

Yea –

Like Abraham – there are time we need to try new things.

Like Abraham – there are times we need to try new ways to do old things.

Like Abraham – there are times we need to step out in faith.

Just like God called Abraham to go to a new place and do a new thing – God calls us to be willing to do new things – or find new ways to do old things – so that we can discover how to be the Church He is calling us to be.

Abraham stepped out in faith – and found a blessing.

If we will step out in faith – look for new ways to do the work of the Church – look for new ways to do what we are doing – we can discover a blessing also.

God doesn’t call us to sit back and rest from His work. God calls us to be willing to step out in faith – to be always be willing to look for new things to be doing – to always be willing to look for new ways to reach others with His love. God is always calling us to look for ways to change – to look for new ways to do the things we are doing – ways that might reach new people in new ways.

God was not satisfied with Abraham doing what he was doing all his live.

God called Abraham to do something new – to do a new thing.

And – Abraham stepped out in faith.

I don’t think that God is satisfied with us resisting change – or doing the same things over and over and expecting different results – or doing things like we did them in 1950 when it’s 2008.

God calls us to do new things.

God calls us to do things in new ways.

The question is – do we step out in faith – and find the blessing God has in store for us and for all we will reach – if we will step out in faith?

This week you are going to have many opportunities to try doing things – or old things in new ways. I pray you will take advantage of them.

This week we as a Church are going to have an opportunity to step out of our “comfort zone” and reach the community in a new way — as we prepare for Community Day. I pray that we will take full advantage of that opportunity. But – to do that – we are going to have to do things in a different way. Instead of seeing it as one group doing one thing and another group doing something else – let’s think about it as everybody pitching in and helping each other. Maybe that’s not the way it’s always been – but it’s the way it can be now.

Maybe – in the way it’s always been – you waited to do something until you were asked.

Why not step up and volunteer – and do something – without being asked?

These are just a few ways we can step up and do – and step out in faith — as we do new things and do old things in new ways.

Like Abraham – there are time we need to try new things.

Like Abraham – there are times we need to try new ways to do old things.

Like Abraham – there are times we need to step out in faith.

Are you ready?

Let’s step out – try God’s new things – try God’s new ways to do old things – and discover God’s blessings.

Come on – let’s step out – in faith! Amen.

Genesis 6-8

Genesis 6:9-22; 7:11-24; 8:14-21

Not Easy – But New

June 8, 2008

This summer we are going to be 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 will discover 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’re going to begin by looking at Noah – and at how God used him to bring about a new thing – new life – that was not easy – but was new – and was better than life before. As we look at Noah’s obedience to God, we can see how we can live for God in the world – how we can live a life that is not easy but is new – and how God continues to give us opportunities to live this life that is new – even though it is not easy.

The story of Noah takes up several chapters in Genesis – so we are going to look at selected verses from Genesis 6-8.

Listen to God’s word in Genesis 6:9-22; 7:11-24; 8:14-21.

Read Scripture

As I studied this passage this week, 3 words jumped out at me –

2 of them describes Noah – they are righteous and blameless –

the third describes everyone else – corrupt

God looked at the world and saw that something had to be done about the fact that

“the earth was corrupt and full of violence” – as 6:11 puts it.

But – what could God do?

God decided He had to start over again – beginning with Noah – who was – as 6:9 puts it –

“a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God”.

God decided to start over – beginning with someone who was obedient to Him.

The process was not going to be easy –

It could not have been easy for God to destroy His creation – to see people and animals not on the Ark drowning –

but it led to something new – something better.

It was not easy – but it was new.

I think one of the key things we need to keep in mind when we consider Noah is his obedience.

Sometimes the word “obedience” can be seen as a negative thing and not a positive thing. We might think of Stanley Milgram’s experiments where people were told to administer electric shocks to another person – who, unbeknownst to them, were really actors who acted as if they were being shocked – and wonder why people would obey such an order to shock another person. Or we might think of some of the massacres and horror stories of war situations where people killed innocent civilians because they were following orders – and wonder why they could be obedient to such orders.

But –obedience to God is a very positive thing – but it is not an easy thing.

Noah discovered that obedience to God was not easy – but it was positive – and it led to a completely new thing that God was doing.

God used Noah’s obedience to do a new thing in the world.

The story of Noah is a story of obedience that is messy – that is costly – but that is beautiful.

It’s a story of messy – costly – and yet beautiful obedience from an ordinary man named Noah.

Through his story, we learn that it’s when we’re loving God, knowing God, and experiencing God that we’re living a life of active obedience to God – a life that is not easy – but new.

Now — the story of Noah’s obedience—like every story of obeying God—does not begin with Noah – it begins with God. In the midst what Genesis 6:11 describes as a world that is filled with wickedness, there is this bright ray of hope:

“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”

Noah found grace because God, in his grace, found Noah.

Some people like to point out that the story of Noah and the flood is probably not an original story – that there are stories of floods from other cultures and traditions that the story of Noah is patterned after. While it’s true that there are other stories of floods – such as the Gilgamesh epic from the Babylonian culture – there is one main difference between these and the Biblical story. Other cultures –such as the Gilgamesh epic — emphasize the heroic image of the main character – but here in Genesis the emphasis is on God – and God’s grace.

Noah’s simple, humble, but costly obedience is a response to God’s grace.

It all begins with God.

Of course, this is a preview of the Good News of Jesus.

In the New Testament, we’re told over and over again that God saves us, favors us, chooses us, forgives us, and sets us free from the power and penalty of sin and the sting of death. We are also reminded it is not by our own moral effort or progress that we are saved — it’s only by the grace of God.

That raises an important question about obedience to God. People sometimes say:

“If I’m saved by God’s grace in Jesus and it isn’t based on my good deeds, then why would I want to be good?”

“Couldn’t I just live the same life I’ve always lived and then just ask forgiveness?”

I believe the answer is no.

I believe that — once you understand God and His grace — you are going to want to change.

Jesus is the one who sets you free from the bondage of sin. He redeemed you when you were utterly lost – and – because He has done this – I believe you are going to want to love him. And — when you’re in love — it changes everything about you—your actions, attitudes, motivations, and affections.

So – the story of Noah is a story of obedience.

It’s a story that show us that when we’re chosen and loved by God, we can love God in return — and when we love Him — it changes everything.

It’s the story of God doing something that is not easy – but new.

It’s the story of Noah obeying God – doing something that is not easy – but new.

It’s the story of how we can obey God – and do things that are not easy – but new.

It’s a story of God’s grace.

It’s a story of how loving God can lead us to obey God – and do things that are not easy – but are new.

It’s a story of how we can live a life of costly, messy, beautiful obedience.

It’s a story of the radical obedience of an ordinary guy named Noah.

Noah – who did things that were not easy – but were different.

Noah epitomizes costly, messy, but beautiful obedience.

Genesis 6:9 tells us “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.”

The Hebrew word translated “blameless” means free from defect, wholesome, sound. It does not imply Noah was perfect or sinless, but it does imply something special about Noah: he was consistently obedient to God.

Notice the following verses:

• 6:22—”Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”
• 7:5—”And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him.”
• 7:9—”as God had commanded Noah.”
• 7:16—”as God had commanded Noah.”
• 8:15–16, 18—”Then God said to Noah, ‘Come out of the ark’ … So Noah came out.”

If Noah had a slogan it would be; “Just do it—God’s way.”

Did you notice Noah never speaks for the entire story? God gives four little speeches, but Noah just keeps his mouth shut and does his job.

Now, he’s not a mindless robot. He’s a flesh and blood human being with real problems and struggles – just like you and me.

And — just like us – when we come to Christ, God doesn’t expect us to be a mindless robot either.

The brilliant physicist, John Polkinghorne, said:

“Many people think that faith involves shutting one’s eyes, gritting one’s teeth, and believing impossible things — because the Bible tells us to do so. Not at all! Faith may involve a leap, but it’s a leap into the light, not the dark. The aim of the religious quest, like that of the scientific quest, is to seek motivated belief about what is the case … not whistling in the dark to keep our spirits up. ”

Noah may well have questioned, doubted, and argued along the way, but all we have is the end result of his journey. He responded to God by listening and obeying God.

Noah perfected the art of obedience – not the art of thinking about obedience.

He acted.

He put his faith into practice.

Hi did something that was not easy – but that was new.

As Noah put his faith into practice – as he acted – as he did his not easy but new thing — he lived a life of costly – messy — and yet beautiful – obedience to God.

Obedience to God is costly.

Obedience will cost you something.

Notice the details of the ark in Genesis 6:14–16.

Someone has estimated that the dimensions imply Noah’s boat was 95,700 square feet. That’s much smaller than the modern ocean liner Queen Elizabeth II, but it’s also much larger than Columbus’s Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria.

The length of 450 feet equals one and a half American football fields

.

This was a massive project!

Imagine what obeying God cost Noah!

It wasn’t a hobby; it consumed his time, money, energy, and life.

Obedience is the flow of God’s love in your life.

Does your faith cost you anything?

Does it cut into your lifestyle at all?

Noah was willing to do something that was not easy at all – but that led to something new – God’s new thing that God was doing in the world.

Are you willing to do things that are not easy – but new – because God told you to do so?

Noah’s obedience to God was costly.

What does your obedience to God cost you?

Noah’s obedience was also messy.

Genesis 6:9 describes Noah very simply with these words:

“He walked with God.”

Genesis 5:24 describes someone else who walked with God: “Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more because God took him away.”

That’s neat and clean obedience.

We obey and God removes us from the mess of life.

But that’s not the way it normally works – is it?

Normally we have to live our lives for God and walk with Him in the midst of a hurting, broken, messy world. Jesus said normal Christian spirituality means letting your light shine into the midst of darkness.

Jesus said: Go back into the darkness and form a community of my people who will reach out and shine my light into the darkness as they love one another.

Too many times slip into an ark mentality.

An ark mentality says, “We just have to get inside, shut the doors, keep the bad influences out, and then hold on until Jesus comes, God opens the doors, and lets us out so we’ll be free at last!”

In the midst of a flood, an ark is a wonderful thing.

But an ark is also a very messy place. It’s part of life in the ark.

The whole point of the ark was not to permanently escape the world; the ark was created so Noah and his community could reenter the world as bearers of an new reality.

In other words, the church isn’t a refuge from the culture around us; it’s the place that helps us enter into and engage the culture.

Obedience to God did not take Noah away from the “messes” of life. In fact, it made his life more messy – but – he was willing to go into the mess – to live in the midst of the mess of his life – knowing that God was with him.

Are you willing to step into the mess of the world – to take on the challenges of caring for others and doing what God calls you to do?

For that matter – are you willing to take on the mess of the Church – getting involved in the work that needs to be done – so that we can be the Church God calls us to be?

Noah was willing to do things that were not easy – so that God’s new thing could be done.

Noah was willing to do things that were costly – and even messy — so that God’s new thing could be done.

Are you willing to do the costly – and even messy – things – so that God’s new thing can be done in the world?

Noah showed obedience that was costly – even messy.

Noah showed obedience to God that was beautiful.

At this point, you may be thinking, Costly, messy, obedience—why would I ever want that?

Noah’s life shows us something else about obedience: it’s beautiful.

Obedience brings life to Noah and his family.

God’s call and Noah’s obedience produced a thing of beauty for Noah, his family, and the whole earth.

Obedience leads to blessing.

Through his obedience, Noah became the bearer of a new, alternative reality—the reality of blessing, the reality of God’s grace.

Through his obedience, Noah bore witness to and left a legacy of God’s grace.

Noah’s faith caused him to do something that was not easy – but led to something that was new.

Noah was not perfect – but more times than not, and when God needed him to be, Noah was obedient.

Even when it was costly.

Even when it was messy.

Noah was obedient – and that led to a new blessing for the world .

It was not easy – but it was new.

And it was beautiful.

Can the same be said about you?

Can it be said that you are willing to be obedient – even when it is costly?

Can it be said that you are willing to be obedient – even when it is messy?

Can it be said that you are willing to be beautifully obedient?

You know — one thing that blocks us from living lives of costly — messy – but beautiful obedience is that we always think we need more information.

We say:

“I’d like to obey, but I need some deeper teaching on that issue. If someone would just feed me, then I could obey. It’s someone else’s responsibility, and I’m a victim of my own disobedience.”

Yes, we do need to question, explore, and get answers — but there comes a point in our lives when we need to say to ourselves:

“How much more information do I need before I can respond to God with costly, messy, and beautiful obedience?”

How much more information about forgiveness do we need before we let go of my grudges and release those who have wounded me?

How much more teaching on Christian community do we need before we decide to reach out to each other and show each other the love of God?

How much more training on how to pray do we need before we actually set aside time every day to come to God in prayer?

How much more do we have to hear about the need to share our faith with others before we do it?

How much more information do we need about how we each have a gift to give for the work of God before we will actually start using our gifts in the Church and in the community?

How much more information do you need about God’s desire for you to be obedient – even when it’s costly and messy – before you will live a life of costly – even messy – yet beautiful obedience?

How much more information do you need before you are willing to do the new things God is calling you to do – even when they are not easy?

The problem in our lives is pretty simple:

too many times we are afraid to be Noah’s – -

too many times we are afraid to do the new things God may be calling us to do –

too many times we are not obedient to God –

because obedience might get costly or inconvenient.

it might get messy —

and we are too comfortable with how things are – regardless of how bad they are – to get involved with making God’s will to make things new.

Noah was willing to be obedient to God.

Even when it was costly –

even when it was messy –

Noah obeyed – and a beautiful new reality was created.

Are you willing to do that?

Are you willing to go into the costly – even messy – thing God may be calling you to be doing – and discover the beautiful new thing God wants to bless you with/

Are we willing to go into the costly – even messy – thing God may be calling us to be doing – and discover the beautiful new thing God may have in store for us?

A man was surveying some beautiful projects his friend had completed in his back yard.

“How did you figure out how to do all this?” he asked him.

“It’s pretty simple,” the neighbor replied.

“I just read the manuals and then I do it.” He then added : “Of course, there’s an important element in between: it’s called courage.”

Noah heard God’s call and then he courageously did it – regardless of how costly or messy it was – and it was a blessing to the world.

Are we willing to hear God’s call to do something new – regardless of how costly or messy it is – and discover God’s blessings?

Noah lived a life of obedience that was costly – messy – but was a blessing.

He was willing to do something that was not easy – but was new.

Here’s the challenge:

Look for things that you can do – that God may be calling you to do – but that have put “on the back burner” because they are costly and messy – and do them!

Look for things that need to be done in the Church – things that may take effort – and do them!

Look for things that can show God’s love to others – things that may be costly and even messy – and do them!

Look for ways to be like Noah – doing the costly and messy things – the things that are not easy – but the things that are what the Church and the world need you to do – the things God needs you to do – so that you can bring God’s new things into the Church and the world.

Amen.