Message Title: Attitude of Adaptability
Theme: Imposter Syndrome: Philippians Series
Season: Ordinary
Main Text: Philippians 2:1-13
Scripture Reading: Psalm 78:1-4
RCL Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32
Focus: Paul continues to give instructions on living like Christ.
Function:  To act like Christ is to embrace humility, teachability, and obedience (especially when it challenges the way we think).
Other Notes: COMMUNION

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 78:1-4 Listen, my people, to my teaching; tilt your ears toward the words of my mouth. ² I will open my mouth with a proverb. I’ll declare riddles from days long gone— ³ones that we’ve heard and learned about, ones that our ancestors told us. ⁴ We won’t hide them from their descendants; we’ll tell the next generation all about the praise due the Lord and his strength—the wondrous works God has done.

INTRODUCTION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Who can tell me the plot of Remember the Titans? (Denzel Washington, 2000) also is anyone offended that this movie came out nearly 25 years ago?
   1. What transformed the team? During training, they learned to see each other as humans, as equals, as a team and some even as family.
   1. When they returned from training camp, they had to face reality of the societal pressures to follow the status quo of segregation or to comply with integrating as the law required. Things got uncomfortable and even painful on the field, in the classroom, and on the streets.
   1. integration

TRANSITION: last week imposters vs. imitators of Christ

1. Continuation of the instructions from last week. As we read, we will continue to search out instructions Paul gave the Philippians.
   1. Undoing imposter gospel like undoing segregation in RTT

MAIN TEXT: Philippians 2:1-13 Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, ² complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. ³ Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. ⁵ Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. ⁷ But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, ⁸he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names, ¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow ¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.¹² Therefore, my loved ones, just as you always obey me, not just when I am present but now even more while I am away, carry out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³ God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes.

EXPLAINATION/INTERPRETATION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Notes of instructions CONTINUED
   1. Reiterates unity, Humility, Community
   1. Attitude of Christ – obedient & humble, not exploiting their position of power/privilege
      1. Be obedient even when no one is watching
2. Encouragement:
   1. God helps you do these things (Prayer: Help me to want what you want.)
3. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Reword Paul’s instructions
   1. Don’t be a jerk
   1. Stay connected to community for support and accountability
   1. Fight against pride in thinking you have faith all figured out
   1. Pray that God still surprises you through scripture and through others

APPLICATION:  To act like Christ is to embrace humility, teachability, and obedience (especially when it challenges the way we think).

Undo the imposters message

1. The imposter message is still prevalent today
   1. TWO TYPES OF “CHRISITIAN” PROTESTORS: Westboro & the “angels”
      1. Both have pride that they are 100% right to be the spokesperson of God. One is speaking of hate, judgement, and condemnation. The other is speaking of love, grace, and inclusion.
      1. Which message matches the entirety of scripture? Impostors or imitators?
2. Many of us come from backgrounds where language and mindsets are not challenged. You respect your elders and just let sleeping dogs lie. Don’t question the lessons of our elders. BUT when we aren’t allowed to critically examine the lessons we inherit, we are bound to repeat the mistakes and sins of the past: Slavery, Women’s right to vote, Segregation & Jim Crowe were all part of the church’s recent past.
   1. Desegregation started in 1954. On September 25, 1957, under federal troop escort, the Little Rock Nine made it inside for their first full day of school. Ruby Bridges is 69 years old. SIXTY NINE! She’s still alive! This is our CURRENT past. Christians used scripture to support segregation and treating people of color as second rate citizens. We’re still unlearning the evils of our past.
      1. Further Reading: The Cross & The Lynching Tree – James Cone
3. The false teachers that chased Paul around trying to change his message did not take time to reflect on the possibility that God could be surprising them in a new way. They refused to see God doing something new. Are we closed minded to God doing new things? Preconceived ideas
4. Test the lessons of the past against scripture
5. As we actively seek out embodying Christ, we need to Undo prideful/bigoted thoughts:
   1. Challenge your own assumptions and stereotypes. We all have unconscious biases, so bring awareness to yours and question why you feel the way you do about certain groups. – take time to pause and pray when you feel uncomfortable about a teaching, interpretation, or differing individual.
   1. Expose yourself to new perspectives. Hearing their stories can increase empathy. – fall in love with the world like God loves the world. Look at people like God does. Search for God’s image in them.
   1. Check your language and humor. Avoid telling jokes or using words that perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Language matters, so be thoughtful. – I know this sounds like fun-killing BUT if our goal is to imitate Christ, we will want to change the way we speak. Know better, do better.
   1. Speak up respectfully. Push back thoughtfully by asking questions, sharing facts, and appealing to their sense of fairness. – don’t let things slide. Find the time to speak out against skewed versions of Jesus.
6. In Holy Envy, Barbara Brown Taylor talked about the importance of connecting with people of others faiths and cultures. These relationships didn’t ruin her faith but strengthened her resolve on her beliefs.

CONCLUSION:  Our faith is not threatened by the existence of people different from ourselves. While we cling to Christian community for support, imitating Christ, we are called to be IN THE WORLD. Engage with the world, BE God’s love while you stand firm in your faith with humility, adaptability, and obedience to Christ.

Embody the attitude of Christ. Lean on God to help you adjust your attitude.

(stay accountable for your actions)

COMMUNION:

Message Title: Voice of Reason
Theme: Imposter Syndrome: Philippians Series
Season: Ordinary
Main Text: Philippians 1:21-30;
Scripture Reading: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
RCL Scripture: Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Jonah 3:10-4:11; Psalm 145:1-8; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16
Focus: Paul encourages the Philippians to stand firm and connected in their faith.
Function: To embrace community and be the voice of encouragement to fellow believers.
Other Notes:

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 Give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make his deeds known to all people! ² Sing to God; sing praises to the Lord; dwell on all his wondrous works! ³ Give praise to God’s holy name! Let the hearts rejoice of all those seeking the Lord! ⁴ Pursue the Lord and his strength; seek his face always! ⁵ Remember the wondrous works he has done, all his marvelous works, and the justice he declared—⁶you who are the offspring of Abraham, his servant, and the children of Jacob, his chosen ones. … ³⁷ Then God brought Israel out, filled with silver and gold; not one of its tribes stumbled. ³⁸ Egypt celebrated when they left, because the dread of Israel had come upon them. ³⁹ God spread out clouds as a covering; gave lightning to provide light at night. ⁴⁰ The people asked, and God brought quail; God filled them full with food from heaven. ⁴¹ God opened the rock and out gushed water—flowing like a river through the desert! ⁴² Because God remembered his holy promise to Abraham his servant, ⁴³God brought his people out with rejoicing, his chosen ones with songs of joy. ⁴⁴ God gave them the lands of other nations; they inherited the wealth of many peoples— ⁴⁵all so that they would keep his laws and observe his instructions. Praise the Lord!

NEW SERIES: Paul writes to the Philippians while imprisoned on how to behave as followers of Christ. Unfortunately, some people carrying the name of Christ are giving the church a bad reputation. This letter gives clear guidance on how to be imitators of Christ rather than imposters mimicking the deceiver. This series will play on the meaning of the phrase “imposter syndrome.” (Imposter syndrome on the Gospel)

INTRODUCTION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Define Imposter syndrome –
   1. Imposter syndrome – is a behavioral health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals.
2. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Who here has experienced imposter syndrome?
   1. What did you do to break that struggle?

TRANSITION:  Instead of talking about self-doubt as individuals, we will talk about the self-doubt and self-arrogance within the Church.How has our message been added to or changed by human hands to make a poor imposter of the Gospel? In our text today, Paul will be the voice of reason to the people of Philippi. Let’s find our reason along with the recipients of Paul’s letter.

MAIN TEXT & EXPLAINATION: Philippians 1:21-30;

VS 21-16 ²¹ Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better. ²² If I continue to live in this world, I get results from my work. ²³ But I don’t know what I prefer. I’m torn between the two because I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is far better. ²⁴ However, it’s more important for me to stay in this world for your sake. ²⁵ I’m sure of this: I will stay alive and remain with all of you to help your progress and the joy of your faith, ²⁶ and to increase your pride in Christ Jesus through my presence when I visit you again.

1. MAP – Modern day Greece – coastal city of Phillippi (assume large port city with diverse population)
2. Problems facing Philippi:
   1. Jewish Christian false teachers
   1. Roman harassment
   1. Division within their leadership
3. Paul’s situation:
   1. He’s imprisoned maybe Rome, maybe Ephesus.
   1. He dreams of being connected with Jesus in eternity (die)
   1. He soldiers on in order to aid the Gospel
   1. Intends to visit them again

VS 27-30 ²⁷ Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel. Do this, whether I come and see you or I’m absent and hear about you. Do this so that you stand firm, united in one spirit and mind as you struggle together to remain faithful to the gospel. ²⁸ That way, you won’t be afraid of anything your enemies do. Your faithfulness and courage are a sign of their coming destruction and your salvation, which is from God. ²⁹ God has generously granted you the privilege, not only of believing in Christ but also of suffering for Christ’s sake. ³⁰ You are having the same struggle that you saw me face and now hear that I’m still facing.

1. Paul’s Instructions: pt 1 of affirming the faith they have and encouraging them to cling to their faith.
   1. Note pad: IDENTIFY Paul’s INSTRUCTIONS:
      1. Manner worthy of the Gospel
      1. Stand firm, united
      1. Struggle – faithfulness to Gospel
2. Comfort: you’re in the thick of it like me!

APPLICATION: To embrace community and be the voice of encouragement to fellow believers. (community is key)

1. Faith isn’t lived in a vacuum
2. The Philippians have multiple problems attacking them and Paul is reminding them to stick together to endure.
   1. How good are we as a society at asking for help?
   1. Lending help?
   1. Supporting each other through the tough times?
3. God gave us the gift of community to help us in our God-given mission.
   1. We use the word “church” as a label for community but I don’t want that to become a misnomer- church isn’t the building, it’s the people. Gathered for one purpose
4. Is Liberty the voice of the false teachers – adding requirements to the gospel & making it harder to follow Jesus? OR Are we the voice of reason, the support & encouragement to believers on their faith journey?

CONCLUSION:

Message Title:
Theme: Forgive, Really?!
Season: Ordinary Time
Main Text: Matthew 18:21-35
Scripture Reading: Romans 14:1-12
RCL Scripture: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21; Genesis 50:15-21; Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35
Focus: Jesus uses a parable about debt to talk about compassion and grace.
Function:  To recognize our calling to forgive and seek forgiveness.
Other Notes: END OF SERIES// HOMECOMING

HOMECOMING FUN! – January 1854 Liberty was organized as a congregation. We have been a congregation for 169 years. Abraham Kirtley deeded land for a church to be built. They used candlelight and logs for initial seating. Some of the first preachers were circuit/itinerant preachers coming on horseback.

Hymns were sung in acapella until the purchase of an organ in 1895 (a piano was purchased in 1916). There was not proper lighting or heating in the church until 1898. Over the 169 years – Liberty has gathered in multiple forms:

1. Met in homes -1854
2. Log cabin – 1858
3. A-frame church -1882
4. The church that burned -1922
5. Current building – Sept 1995 first service

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Someone tell the story about the cemetery after the civil war.

We will be ordering new Liberty shirts soon. The order forms have been delayed.

SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 14:1-12 Welcome the person who is weak in faith—but not in order to argue about differences of opinion. ² One person believes in eating everything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. ³ Those who eat must not look down on the ones who don’t, and the ones who don’t eat must not judge the ones who do, because God has accepted them. ⁴ Who are you to judge someone else’s servants? They stand or fall before their own Lord (and they will stand, because the Lord has the power to make them stand). ⁵ One person considers some days to be more sacred than others, while another person considers all days to be the same. Each person must have their own convictions. ⁶ Someone who thinks that a day is sacred, thinks that way for the Lord. Those who eat, eat for the Lord, because they thank God. And those who don’t eat, don’t eat for the Lord, and they thank the Lord too. ⁷ We don’t live for ourselves and we don’t die for ourselves. ⁸ If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God. ⁹ This is why Christ died and lived: so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. ¹⁰ But why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you look down on your brother or sister? We all will stand in front of the judgment seat of God. ¹¹ Because it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God.^{[a] 12} So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

SERIES CONCLUSION & SERMON INTRODUCTION: This miniseries on forgiveness is already wrapping up. Just two short weeks of hearing Jesus’ words on forgiveness.

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Recount a time your parents got involved in your apology to someone
   1. Kid’s lesson in forgiveness – say it like you mean it

TRANSITION: Last week we talked about accountability – It is ok to hold someone accountable and if they don’t own up to their behavior, your relationship changes. This week we continue the conversation because our buddy Peter asks an honest question about the limits of forgiveness. (Specific accounts)

MAIN TEXT: Matthew 18:21-35 ²¹ Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Should I forgive as many as seven times?” ²² Jesus said, “Not just seven times, but rather as many as seventy-seven times. ²³ Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. ²⁴ When he began to settle accounts, they brought to him a servant who owed him ten thousand bags of gold.^[d] 25 Because the servant didn’t have enough to pay it back, the master ordered that he should be sold, along with his wife and children and everything he had, and that the proceeds should be used as payment. ²⁶ But the servant fell down, kneeled before him, and said, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I’ll pay you back.’ ²⁷ The master had compassion on that servant, released him, and forgave the loan. ²⁸ “When that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him one hundred coins. He grabbed him around the throat and said, ‘Pay me back what you owe me.’ ²⁹ “Then his fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I’ll pay you back.’ ³⁰ But he refused. Instead, he threw him into prison until he paid back his debt. ³¹ “When his fellow servants saw what happened, they were deeply offended. They came and told their master all that happened. ³² His master called the first servant and said, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you appealed to me. ³³ Shouldn’t you also have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ ³⁴ His master was furious and handed him over to the guard responsible for punishing prisoners, until he had paid the whole debt. ³⁵ “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you if you don’t forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

EXPLAINATION:

1. Continuation from last week:
   1. Significance of numbers in Jewish culture – https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/judaism-numbers/
      1. “7” is the number of perfection – forgive excessively more than perfect.
   1. (In other gospels Jesus says 70*7) Forgiveness should be such a habit we don’t even keep track.
2. Parable about the Kingdom of Heaven – “THE WAY GOD WORKS….”
   1. Servant A owes – GIGANTIC AMOUNT, like more than MULTIPLE lifetimes could pay back (60 million days wages – 165k years wages)
   1. King forgives Servant A’s debt
      1. However, Servant A is not changed by this reality.
   1. Servant B owes Servant A – 100 days wages
      1. Servant A refuses to forgive Servant B, assaults him and places him in prison to pay off his debt. Servant A shows no mercy.
      1. King hears about it and then demands Servant A sit in jail until his debt is paid since he had a lack of compassion on his fellow servant.
         1. (Jewish law to loan money without interest)

INTERPRETATION:

1. Connection to scripture reading:
   1. In our scripture reading, Paul speaks to the Romans about eating habits and their connection to faith. This discussion is about the question of eating food sacrificed to false gods. Some people choose to abstain from eating the meat while others know those gods are not real and food is food.
      1. We are God’s representatives to non-Christians and Christians alike. We’re called to hold our faith siblings accountable while also pouring out mercy and setting an example on how to live.
   1. It’s not helpful to compare your faith journey with your neighbor. Be a positive example that does not cause another person to stumble in their walk…But also don’t elect yourself the faith police for others faith walk.
      1. American Christians are currently a stumbling block with our words of hatred being spoken to people who are different from us (especially in politics and lifestyle).

APPLICATION:

1. Last week: Responsibility in Forgiveness lesson: Loosed on earth loosed in heaven, fastened on earth fastened in heaven – Representatives of God’s design. We learned about boundaries to place when the person refuses to admit their wrong. Accountability is key.
   1. HOWEVER, This week is a Humility in Forgiveness lesson: God’s character should change our behavior. God’s actions should transform us too.
   1. Your role in forgiveness? To have compassion on the apologetic and hope for restoration for the rest. To recognize our own history of needing forgiveness. And we show how to rebuild after the mess.

CONCLUSION:

Message Title:  Justice League or Grace Gang
Theme: Forgive, Really?!
Season: Ordinary Time
Main Text: Matthew 18:15-20
Scripture Reading: Romans 13:8-14;
RCL Scripture: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149; Ezekiel 33:7-11; Psalm 119:33-40; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20
Focus:  Jesus gives instructions on reconciliation.
Function: To consider our own conflict and seek God-guided healing.
Other Notes: GRANDPARENT’S DAY// 9-11 MEMORIAL

SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 13:8-14 ⁸ Don’t be in debt to anyone, except for the obligation to love each other. Whoever loves another person has fulfilled the Law. ⁹ The commandments, Don’t commit adultery, don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t desire what others have,^[a] and any other commandments, are all summed up in one word: You must love your neighbor as yourself.^[b] 10 Love doesn’t do anything wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is what fulfills the Law. ¹¹ As you do all this, you know what time it is. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your sleep. Now our salvation is nearer than when we first had faith. ¹² The night is almost over, and the day is near. So let’s get rid of the actions that belong to the darkness and put on the weapons of light. ¹³ Let’s behave appropriately as people who live in the day, not in partying and getting drunk, not in sleeping around and obscene behavior, not in fighting and obsession. ¹⁴ Instead, dress yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t plan to indulge your selfish desires.

NEW SERIES: For the next2 weeks we will examine a segment of Matthew 18 focusing on Jesus’ words on forgiving someone who has wronged you. How has the church messed up the message of forgiveness and left people in abusive situations? where is the balance between forgiveness and self-preservation? can you forgive too many times? when does it turn to enabling sinful behavior? If we’re lucky, we’ll answer one of these questions together.

INTRODUCTION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Can you think of any songs about the topic of forgiveness? (Positive or negative)
   1. Forgive by Rebecca Lynn Howard
   1. Forgive Them Father by Laryn Hill
   1. We can work it out by The Beatles
   1. If I could turn back time by Cher
2. When I was initially pondering songs about forgiveness all I could think of were country songs about a guy cheating and a woman seeking revenge.

TRANSITION: Pop culture tells us that when we are wronged, we have the right to claim vengeance or reparations. Justice *should* be on our side. Our text today will provide us the first installment of Jesus’ words on the subject of forgiveness. I invite you to read all of Matthew 18 this week to give yourself the greater context.

MAIN TEXT: Matthew 18:15-20 ¹⁵ “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and correct them when you are alone together. If they listen to you, then you’ve won over your brother or sister. ¹⁶ But if they won’t listen, take with you one or two others so that every word may be established by the mouth of two or three witnesses.^[b] 17 But if they still won’t pay attention, report it to the church. If they won’t pay attention even to the church, treat them as you would a Gentile and tax collector. ¹⁸ I assure you that whatever you fasten on earth will be fastened in heaven. And whatever you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven. ¹⁹ Again I assure you that if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.”

EXPLAINATION:

1. Context of passage:
   1. Location: Capernaum (where Peter’s MIL lives)
   1. Audience: “the disciples” plus kids, could be just the 12 and kids or it could be the more broad term for disciples.
   1. Jesus had just paid his taxes through a miracle, warned about causing kids to stumble, and a parable about lost sheep.
2. Jesus has been teaching the people to see the Upside-Down Kingdom of God. God’s kingdom does things differently than the world. – valuing kids, celebrating the minority or vulnerable, and recognizing the law of men is not what determines our character.
   1. He shifts the conversation to instructions on reconciliation. What do we do when the someone hurts us?
3. SPELL OUT THE STEPS of reconciliation:
   1. Correct when alone (1 on 1)
   1. Correct with support (1 on 2-3)
   1. Correct with the church
   1. Treat as an unbeliever

INTERPRETATION:

1. Accountability of Fellow Believers: These instructions initially assume the two parties are believers. When we call ourselves “Christians,” “children of God,” or “Christ followers,” we are committing to living according to God’s standards. “To follow God means to embrace how God designed things to be.” (Not, how we want them to be.)
2. Mission to Unbelievers: When the unrepentant is treated like an “unbeliever” this is not an invitation to shun them or treat them poorly. An unbeliever is a teaching opportunity of the love and compassion of God. This teaching opportunity is a chance to show exactly how God designed things.
3. Ambassadors of God: “What we fasten… what we loosened” – has anyone besides me been terrified of this phrase? The amount of power and responsibility is gigantic.
   1. As ambassadors of Christ in this world, our actions and our relationships matter.
   1. NOTE: “where two or three are gathered in my name…” – is about forgiveness.
      1. Are we consulting the Holy Spirit about the situations of conflict in our lives?
4. This passage is not a moment of shame to push for reunification of broken relationships. As a pastor who was divorced and remarried, I can attest to this. The relationship between person a and person b is permanently changed by the wrong doing when person b refuses to repent.
5. ACCOUNTABLITY IS KEY to healing relationships.
   1. Accountability only works if a relationship is bathed in trust, respect, and love.
   1. Accountability only works when both partners agree to participate.
   1. Accountability only works when names and faces are connected to the conflict. Anonymity doesn’t work with accountability or conflict resolution.
   1. Christians cannot expect non-believers to behave as Christ followers.

APPLICATION:

1. Reflection this week:
   1. Take time to ponder your conflicts
      1. what relationships are experiencing tension?
   1. Spend time in prayer asking for God’s Spirit to guide you in the best path of healing.
      1. How is God asking you to be responsible for this conflict? Did you inflict pain or are you experiencing pain?
   1. Consider the steps in Matthew 18 and how they apply to your situation
      1. Can accountability be applied to this relationship?
         1. Are both parties willing?
      1. How are my actions and words informed by God’s Word?
   1. Seek Spirit-led healing

CONCLUSION:  God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation teaches of God’s desire for community. Be ambassadors of forgiveness. Be agents of healing. Be missionaries speaking God’s love. Pursue restoration.

Message Title: Oppressed
Theme: Made to Be
Season: Ordinary Time
Main Text: Exodus 1:8-2:10
Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-20
RCL Scripture: Exodus 1:8-2:10; Psalm 124; Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm 138; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20
Focus: Jacob’s family is enslaved in Egypt but God has a plan for their deliverance.
Function: To identify ourselves as God’s people OVER any political party, nationality, or other group desiring division.
Other Notes: END OF SERIES // Mission report Gary & Diana

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 16:13-20 ¹³ Now when Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Human One^[a] is?” ¹⁴ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” ¹⁵ He said, “And what about you? Who do you say that I am?” ¹⁶ Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” ¹⁷ Then Jesus replied, “Happy are you, Simon son of Jonah, because no human has shown this to you. Rather my Father who is in heaven has shown you. ¹⁸ I tell you that you are Peter.^[b] And I’ll build my church on this rock. The gates of the underworld won’t be able to stand against it. ¹⁹ I’ll give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Anything you fasten on earth will be fastened in heaven. Anything you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven.” ²⁰ Then he ordered the disciples not to tell anybody that he was the Christ.

SERIES CONCLUSION: We have been through a journey this summer! Since June we have been studying Genesis in our Made to Be series. This series has encouraged us to consider a new perspective on the Genesis account. This book is more than a history lesson, this book speaks of the identity of God’s people. Today, we get our final installment in the Made to Be series. Investigating identity is in your hands.

INTRODUCTION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: What trends were popular when you were young that have been repeated by younger generations?
   1. My generation embraced the bell bottoms and peasant tops of the 60’s and 70’s.
   1. Fashion has a way of repeating itself… though I’ll never understand why bucket hats and crocs came back.
2. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: What trends do you wish could: 1- stop coming back or 2- come back that are always ignored?

TRANSITION: The passing of time is revealed through the wrinkles on our skin, the gray hairs (or falling out) on our head, and younger generations revisiting changing traditions.

In our text today, much time has passed. Rather than fashion tends changing, the relationship between Jacob’s people and the leadership of Egypt has changed. How is their story our story?

MAIN TEXT: Exodus 1:8-2:10 ⁸ Now a new king came to power in Egypt who didn’t know Joseph. ⁹ He said to his people, “The Israelite people are now larger in number and stronger than we are. ¹⁰ Come on, let’s be smart and deal with them. Otherwise, they will only grow in number. And if war breaks out, they will join our enemies, fight against us, and then escape from the land.” ¹¹ As a result, the Egyptians put foremen of forced work gangs over the Israelites to harass them with hard work. They had to build storage cities named Pithom and Rameses for Pharaoh. ¹² But the more they were oppressed, the more they grew and spread, so much so that the Egyptians started to look at the Israelites with disgust and dread. ¹³ So the Egyptians enslaved the Israelites. ¹⁴ They made their lives miserable with hard labor, making mortar and bricks, doing field work, and by forcing them to do all kinds of other cruel work. ¹⁵ The king of Egypt spoke to two Hebrew midwives named Shiphrah and Puah: ¹⁶ “When you are helping the Hebrew women give birth and you see the baby being born, if it’s a boy, kill him. But if it’s a girl, you can let her live.” ¹⁷ Now the two midwives respected God so they didn’t obey the Egyptian king’s order. Instead, they let the baby boys live. ¹⁸ So the king of Egypt called the two midwives and said to them, “Why are you doing this? Why are you letting the baby boys live?” ¹⁹ The two midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because Hebrew women aren’t like Egyptian women. They’re much stronger and give birth before any midwives can get to them.” ²⁰ So God treated the midwives well, and the people kept on multiplying and became very strong. ²¹ And because the midwives respected God, God gave them households of their own. ²² Then Pharaoh gave an order to all his people: “Throw every baby boy born to the Hebrews into the Nile River, but you can let all the girls live.” Now a man from Levi’s household married a Levite woman. ² The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that the baby was healthy and beautiful, so she hid him for three months. ³ When she couldn’t hide him any longer, she took a reed basket and sealed it up with black tar. She put the child in the basket and set the basket among the reeds at the riverbank. ⁴ The baby’s older sister stood watch nearby to see what would happen to him. ⁵ Pharaoh’s daughter came down to bathe in the river, while her women servants walked along beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds, and she sent one of her servants to bring it to her. ⁶ When she opened it, she saw the child. The boy was crying, and she felt sorry for him. She said, “This must be one of the Hebrews’ children.” ⁷ Then the baby’s sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Would you like me to go and find one of the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” ⁸ Pharaoh’s daughter agreed, “Yes, do that.” So, the girl went and called the child’s mother. ⁹ Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse it for me, and I’ll pay you for your work.” So, the woman took the child and nursed it. ¹⁰ After the child had grown up, she brought him back to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him as her son. She named him Moses, “because,” she said, “I pulled him out^[a] of the water.”

EXPLAINATION:

1. DreamWorks Prince of Egypt
2. Context:
   1. Last week Jacob’s family all moved to Egypt to escape a famine in the land.
3. Our text for today says so much time has passed that the current ruler has no memory of Joseph.
   1. Jacob’s family are now called The Israelites or Hebrews and they are numerous.
   1. Pharoah is worried about the large number of Israelites and makes a plan to subdue them to prevent their rebellion.
   1. Thus, the Israelites end up slaves in Egypt when they had originally been welcomed as esteemed guests.
4. God hears the struggles of his people and designs a plan involving a family from the tribe of Levi. Their son Moses would deliver the people. However, you’ll have to keep reading Exodus to hear the rest of the story.

INTERPRETATION: Liberate

1. The story of Israel’s enslavement in Egypt and Moses as the liberator is a familiar story in Christian spheres. However, we typically look at this story as a piece of Jewish history and not part of TORAH.
2. I want us to pause and remember: (we do not have Jewish heritage)
   1. TORAH is the Law, the structure for God’s people, the foundational identity document. Genesis & Exodus are part of TORAH, not the Nevi’im, and the Ketuvim (Prophets and Writings).
   1. The story of the Israelites through Genesis & Exodus is foundational to the identity of all God’s people and our relationship to God.

APPLICATION: To identify ourselves as God’s people OVER any political party, nationality, or other group desiring division.

1. –Meriah’s Midrash–
2. DISARM – *Stay with me here* I want to be candid with you. Be present in the moment with me.
3. Unfortunately for all of us, it’s now presidential campaign season. Ads will run. Lobbyists will lobby. Promises will be made to earn your vote.
4. KNOW YOUR FOUNDATION: It is IMPERATIVE we remember our identity foundationally belongs in Jesus.  Scripture reading -Know who Christ is
   1. Every single politician of every political party will fail us.
   1. Every government on this planet seeks its own self-interest.
   1. No nation deserves our allegiance OVER Christ.
5. KNOW YOUR HOPE: When the world is overwhelming, we remember our hope is in Jesus.
   1. Scripture reading: peter knew
   1. Regardless of who is elected. Regardless of what laws are passed. Our identity doesn’t change. Our commission as God’s ambassadors doesn’t change.  
6. HAVE NO FEAR: we may tremble in our boots on a day to day basis BUT we know that nothing on this earth can change the hope we have in Christ.
   1. Scripture reading: peter was given a task according to his knowledge.
   1. Romans 8:37-39 ³⁷ But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. ³⁸ I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers ³⁹ or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.
      1. Not republicans, not democrats, not presidents, not mayors, not dictators, lobbyists, or billionaires
7. Wrape up series

CONCLUSION: When you know your foundation, you know your hope and can have no fear. Survive the darkness by clinging to the Light of Christ.

Message Title: Reunions & Family Drama
Theme: Made to Be
Season: Ordinary Time
Main Text: Genesis 45:1-15;
Scripture Reading: Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28
RCL Scripture: Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 133; Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28
Focus: Joseph seeks resolution with his brothers.
Function: To consider our own conflict, our responsibility to the resolution, and taking steps to fulfill our role.
Other Notes:

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28 ²¹ From there, Jesus went to the regions of Tyre and Sidon. ²² A Canaanite woman from those territories came out and shouted, “Show me mercy, Son of David. My daughter is suffering terribly from demon possession.” ²³ But he didn’t respond to her at all. His disciples came and urged him, “Send her away; she keeps shouting out after us.” ²⁴ Jesus replied, “I’ve been sent only to the lost sheep, the people of Israel.” ²⁵ But she knelt before him and said, “Lord, help me.” ²⁶ He replied, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and toss it to dogs.” ²⁷ She said, “Yes, Lord. But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall off their masters’ table.” ²⁸ Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith. It will be just as you wish.” And right then her daughter was healed.

INTRODUCTION:

1. Anyone notice that stores are starting to put out fall and Christmas decorations? Are you ready for family festivities? Or are you dreading them?
2. Family drama & holidays – I want to give you a scenario and then tell me traditionally how your family would resolve this conflict.
   Amidst the joyful chaos of the family holiday gathering, the dining table lay adorned with an elaborate feast. [Nora] couldn’t help but notice the remnants of the delicious meal scattered around, plates half-empty and napkins crumpled. Suppressing her frustration, she glanced at her cousins who were engrossed in conversation nearby, and with a forced smile, she remarked, “I guess some people just don’t care about keeping the dining area tidy, but I’m sure it doesn’t bother everyone.” She reached for a stack of plates and began clearing the table herself.
3. How would your family handle this conflict?
   1. Sweep it under the rug -Ignore- Passive?
   1. SOLVE IT RIGHT AWAY -Bulldoze – Aggressive? (issue behind the issue)
   1. Guilt trip- Passive aggressive?
   1. Enmeshment – You make me feel bad for pointing out something I’ve done that’s bad-

TRANSITION: In our text for today, Joseph is the leader of a family conflict-resolution situation.

MAIN TEXT: Genesis 45:1-15 Joseph could no longer control himself in front of all his attendants, so he declared, “Everyone, leave now!” So no one stayed with him when he revealed his identity to his brothers. ² He wept so loudly that the Egyptians and Pharaoh’s household heard him. ³ Joseph said to his brothers, “I’m Joseph! Is my father really still alive?” His brothers couldn’t respond because they were terrified before him. ⁴ Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me,” and they moved closer. He said, “I’m your brother Joseph! The one you sold to Egypt. ⁵ Now, don’t be upset and don’t be angry with yourselves that you sold me here. Actually, God sent me before you to save lives. ⁶ We’ve already had two years of famine in the land, and there are five years left without planting or harvesting. ⁷ God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive^[a] and to rescue your lives in this amazing way. ⁸ You didn’t send me here; it was God who made me a father to Pharaoh, master of his entire household, and ruler of the whole land of Egypt. ⁹ “Hurry! Go back to your father. Tell him this is what your son Joseph says: ‘God has made me master of all of Egypt. Come down to me. Don’t delay. ¹⁰ You may live in the land of Goshen, so you will be near me, your children, your grandchildren, your flocks, your herds, and everyone with you. ¹¹ I will support you there, so you, your household, and everyone with you won’t starve, since the famine will still last five years.’ ¹² You and my brother Benjamin have seen with your own eyes that I’m speaking to you. ¹³ Tell my father about my power in Egypt and about everything you’ve seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” ¹⁴ He threw his arms around his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his shoulder. ¹⁵ He kissed all of his brothers and wept, embracing them. After that, his brothers were finally able to talk to him.

EXPLAINATION:

1. Catch up the story:
   1. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. (Tamar tricks her father-in-law Judah into marrying her after 2 of her husbands die)
   1. He was bought by Pharoah’s assistant Potipher.
   1. Potipher’s wife scams Joseph and Joseph ends up in jail.
   1. In jail, Joseph grows in prominence through interpreting dreams.
   1. He interprets Pharoah’s dream and pharaoh rewards him with a high-level position
   1. Famine strikes all over but because of Joseph’s wisdom Egypt is prepared.
   1. Now his brothers, experiencing the famine in their home land, come to Egypt to look for aid. This leads them to have audience with their brother who they don’t recognize.
   1. Joseph tests their character, including imprisoning one brother, and finds changed men.
      1. The final test includes bringing his little brother Benjamin to Egypt
2. Now –
   1. The brothers have fulfilled their duties and returned with Benjamin.
   1. Joseph is overwhelmed at the sight of all of his family and reveals himself to his brothers.
   1. Joseph reinterprets his hardships as God’s provision for their family.

INTERPRETATION:

1. Joseph forgives his brothers by explaining their actions through God’s plan to provide food for Jacob’s family.
2. AUDIENCE POLL: Is it ok that Joseph forgave his brothers without his brothers asking for forgiveness?
   1. In Ch 42 – Joseph hears his brothers speaking in Hebrew about consequences for their actions of hurting Joseph and their regret. BUT they never say this to Joseph directly. Does that matter?
3. Our Scripture reading was a different Conflict resolution.
   1. It’s ok if the text makes you uncomfortable.
      1. Here are some questions to ponder: did the Canaanite woman change his mind like Moses & Abraham changed God’s mind? Was there an order of operations for the Gospel and this woman was interrupting it?
      1. Canaanites – from Cain, offspring of Adam & Eve, the original settlers of the promise land that Jews kicked out. Some texts suggest they were wiped out (Genocide) … but how could that be if this woman was here?
   1. Jesus changes his actions based on the petitions of this mother.

APPLICATION: To consider our own conflict, our responsibility to the resolution, and taking steps to fulfill our role. (are you the hurter or hurtee)

1. Jesus changes his actions after gathering more information. We are called to do better when we know better.
2. Accountability matters – a professor once suggested in class that its wrong to forgive someone who hasn’t repented…. To hold them accountable and not “let them off the hook” without consequences. It’s still something I ponder today.
   1. Some days I agree and want to see justice, other days my heart out pours mercy.
3. The role of repentance in forgiveness –
   1.  2 forms of forgiveness – internal and external.
      1. You can release someone from an expectation of healing even if you don’t express it.
      1. You can verbally express forgiveness to someone.
   1. The route of forgiveness you choose is dependent on the circumstances of the wrong.
      1. Forgiveness does not always include full reunion and restoration if the environment is no longer safe.  (situations of enabling, safety, etc)

CONCLUSION: you are responsible for you

Message Title: Understanding Pain
Theme: Made to Be
Season: Ordinary Time
Main Text: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-33
RCL Scripture: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b; 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33
Focus: Jacob’s favoritism leads to animosity between his children.
Function:  To start searching for the cause of pain rather than treating the symptoms of our pain.
Other Notes:

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 14:22-33 ²² Right then, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowds. ²³ When he sent them away, he went up onto a mountain by himself to pray. Evening came and he was alone. ²⁴ Meanwhile, the boat, fighting a strong headwind, was being battered by the waves and was already far away from land. ²⁵ Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified and said, “It’s a ghost!” They were so frightened they screamed. ²⁷ Just then Jesus spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” ²⁸ Peter replied, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹ And Jesus said, “Come.” Then Peter got out of the boat and was walking on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, “Lord, rescue me!” ³¹ Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, saying, “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?” ³² When they got into the boat, the wind settled down. ³³ Then those in the boat worshipped Jesus and said, “You must be God’s Son!”

INTRO: 

1. Audience engagement:
   1. Are there rules in comedy? Are there certain topics that you can’t talk about in comedy?
      1. I’ve heard “Punch up not down”
   1. What about in joke battles?
      1. “yo mama” jokes
      1. “Roast Me”
      1. Rap Battles
      1. don’t laugh challenge
2. PHOTO: Last March, Chris Rock was doing a monologue for the Academy Awards and made a joke about Jada Smith’s bald head. Will Smith walked up on stage and slapped Chris Rock. Smith’s reaction was not about the joke- Rock speculated about the source of Smith’s pain.[1] Smith had not addressed his pain. His internal pain became Rock’s physical pain.

TRANSITION: In our text for today, we will also see the trickle down of pain.

TEXT: Gen 37:1-4, 12-28 Jacob lived in the land of Canaan where his father was an immigrant. ² This is the account of Jacob’s descendants. Joseph was 17 years old and tended the flock with his brothers. While he was helping the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives, Joseph told their father unflattering things about them. ³ Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons because he was born when Jacob was old. Jacob had made for him a long^[a] robe. ⁴ When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of his brothers, they hated him and couldn’t even talk nicely to him…. ¹² Joseph’s brothers went to tend their father’s flocks near Shechem. ¹³ Israel said to Joseph, “Aren’t your brothers tending the sheep near Shechem? Come, I’ll send you to them.” And he said, “I’m ready.” ¹⁴ Jacob said to him, “Go! Find out how your brothers are and how the flock is, and report back to me.” So Jacob sent him from the Hebron Valley. When he approached Shechem, ¹⁵ a man found him wandering in the field and asked him, “What are you looking for?” ¹⁶ Joseph said, “I’m looking for my brothers. Tell me, where are they tending the sheep?” ¹⁷ The man said, “They left here. I heard them saying, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them in Dothan. ¹⁸ They saw Joseph in the distance before he got close to them, and they plotted to kill him. ¹⁹ The brothers said to each other, “Here comes the big dreamer. ²⁰ Come on now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns, and we’ll say a wild animal devoured him. Then we will see what becomes of his dreams!” ²¹ When Reuben heard what they said, he saved him from them, telling them, “Let’s not take his life.” ²² Reuben said to them, “Don’t spill his blood! Throw him into this desert cistern, but don’t lay a hand on him.” He intended to save Joseph from them and take him back to his father. ²³ When Joseph reached his brothers, they stripped off Joseph’s long robe, ²⁴ took him, and threw him into the cistern, an empty cistern with no water in it. ²⁵ When they sat down to eat, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with camels carrying sweet resin, medicinal resin, and fragrant resin on their way down to Egypt. ²⁶ Judah said to his brothers, “What do we gain if we kill our brother and hide his blood? ²⁷ Come on, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites. Let’s not harm him because he’s our brother; he’s family.” His brothers agreed. ²⁸ When some Midianite traders passed by, they pulled Joseph up out of the cistern. They sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver, and they brought Joseph to Egypt.

EXPLANATION:

1. context: Okay, quite a bit of time has passed since our passage from last week.
   1. Jacob and his 12 sons are back in his home land near his brother. reunions have happened and forgiveness has been poured out. 
   1. aside: I won’t go into the whole family drama around the only identified daughter of Jacob being assaulted and pursued by her assaulter. There is too much there to get into in one series.
   1. Rachel gave birth to Benjamin and passed away directly after. read: Jacob’s favorite wife is dead.
      1. PHOTO: The mothers of Jacob’s 12 sons (Genesis 35:22-26) are:
         1. Leah, mother of: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun
         1. Rachel, mother of: Joseph, Benjamin (Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin)
         1. Zilpah (Leah’s maid), mother of: Gad, Asher
         1. Bilhah (Rachel’s maid), mother of: Dan, Naphtali
2. into the text: 
   1. To Jacob’s 10 older sons, it is very clear Jacob preferred his children from Rachel, his preferred wife. Jacob shows partiality to Joseph, the oldest of Rachel’s two sons. (Rachel’s sons are the youngest.)
   1. Joseph receives dreams that he interprets to mean eventually his brothers and family will bow down to him. Naturally, this goes over as well as a lead balloon.
   1. The jealousy already present in his brothers is exacerbated by Joseph’s words. Honestly, Joseph seems to be pretty clueless or potentially malicious in his lack of tact by sharing his dreams.
   1. His brothers plan to kill him but choose to sell him into slavery instead.
      1. Next week we will see the brothers’ reunion after many years. How did his brother’s handle their decision? Scripture won’t make that explicit until we get to our passage next week.

INTERPRETATION:

1. Although Jacob has the new name of Israel and has called his family to follow God, he still is a work in progress.(vs 4) The brothers hurt Joseph because of the pain they experienced from their father’s favoritism.
   1. Jacob’s preferential treatment breeds another generation of animosity between brothers.
      1. Jacob & Esau – J was mom’s fave and E was dad’s fave
      1. Ishmael & Isaac – Sarah rejected Ishmael as Abraham’s son after her son was born. Ishmael (and his mother were kicked out).
2. HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE.
   1. The brothers were pointing fingers at Joseph (who did behave wrongly) but the cause of their pain was Jacob/Israel. To find relief from their pain, they needed to sort the problem out with their father. NOT kill their brother.
   1. The brothers were looking at the symptom not the cause of the problem.
      1. Their pain poured out on the next person (Joseph). Joseph chose to behave differently – we’ll touch on that next week.

APPLICATION: To start searching for the cause of pain rather than treating the symptoms of our pain.

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: How are you hurting?
   1. What is the source of your pain today?
      1. How is your pain impacting others?
      1. Consequences from your own actions?
      1. Consequences from another’s actions?
2. God is not the source of our pain. God does not behave the way earthly parents (or even biblical parents) behave.
   1. PS 103:13
   1. John 3:16 – God loved the world so much that he gave his only son
   1. Acts 10:34 – God shows no partiality to on group over another
   1. Romans 2:11 – God doesn’t have favorites
   1. 2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord isn’t slow in keeping his promise… he wants none to perish…

CONCLUSION: can we name the cause of our pain? Are we brave enough to address it?

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/mar/05/it-still-hurts-chris-rock-speaks-about-will-smith-slap-for-first-time

Message Title: Wrestling with the Blessed
Theme: Made to Be
Season: Ordinary Time
Main Text: Genesis 32:22-31
Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:13-21
RCL Scripture: Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21
Focus: Jacob is blessed and his name is changed to Israel.
Function:  To claim our new name, break generational curses, and start a new life.
Other Notes: COMMUNION SUNDAY

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 14:13-21 ¹³ When Jesus heard about John, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. When the crowds learned this, they followed him on foot from the cities. ¹⁴ When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion for them and healed those who were sick. ¹⁵ That evening his disciples came and said to him, “This is an isolated place and it’s getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” ¹⁶ But Jesus said to them, “There’s no need to send them away. You give them something to eat.” ¹⁷ They replied, “We have nothing here except five loaves of bread and two fish.” ¹⁸ He said, “Bring them here to me.” ¹⁹ He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed them and broke the loaves apart and gave them to his disciples. Then the disciples gave them to the crowds. ²⁰ Everyone ate until they were full, and they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers. ²¹ About five thousand men plus women and children had eaten.

INTRODUCTION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Are you good at waiting? If you knew a surprise was coming, would you try to figure it out or would you wait in ignorance until the surprise came? (Peeking at Xmas presents)
2. Story about – Anticipating going to Disney world and not being able to sleep.
   1. ASSIDE: Now Florida has Leprosy & travel is discouraged to their state.
      1. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/2/why-are-leprosy-cases-surging-in-us-state-of
      1. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/leprosy-endemic-central-florida-cdc-what-to-know-disease/
      1. https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/leprosy-in-florida-how-do-you-know-if-you-have-the-infection

TRANSITION:  Jacob is waiting, how does he wait for the bad thing?

MAIN TEXT: Genesis 32:22-31 ²² Jacob got up during the night, took his two wives, his two women servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed the Jabbok River’s shallow water. ²³ He took them and everything that belonged to him, and he helped them cross the river. ²⁴ But Jacob stayed apart by himself, and a man wrestled with him until dawn broke. ²⁵ When the man saw that he couldn’t defeat Jacob, he grabbed Jacob’s thigh and tore a muscle in Jacob’s thigh as he wrestled with him. ²⁶ The man said, “Let me go because the dawn is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I won’t let you go until you bless me.” ²⁷ He said to Jacob, “What’s your name?” and he said, “Jacob.” ²⁸ Then he said, “Your name won’t be Jacob any longer, but Israel,^[c] because you struggled with God and with men and won.” ²⁹ Jacob also asked and said, “Tell me your name.” But he said, “Why do you ask for my name?” and he blessed Jacob there. ³⁰ Jacob named the place Peniel,^[d] “because I’ve seen God face-to-face, and my life has been saved.” ³¹ The sun rose as Jacob passed Penuel, limping because of his thigh. 

EXPLAINATION:

1. Context:
   1. Last week Jay spoke! And he did an amazing job. Thank you for taking the stage when I couldn’t leave the bathroom.
   1. Jacob married Leah & Rachel and has had 11 sons (unknown how many daughters) through these women and their two servants.
   1. If you remember, Jacob left his home because of a rivalry he created between him and his brother Esau. Jacob is now returning home with his household.
      1. In preparation for this reunion, Jacob has been sending his brother gifts. (Sweetening the deal?)
2. On the eve of this reunion, Jacob is reasonably restless. He walks along the river, meets an unnamed man, and wrestles him.
   1. We get no context to who this man is or why they are wrestling.
   1. All we get is a hint from Jacob’s new name and the man’s words “you’ve wrestled God and man and won.”
   1. We assume this means that Jacob wrestled God, even though the text doesn’t explicitly say as such.

INTERPRETATION:

1. Throughout this study in Genesis, we’ve been considering who God made us to be. A few weeks ago, we talked about the fact that God uses us and others regardless of our qualifications. Now our text states Jacob has wrestled not only man but God as well … and WON.
   1. Jacob won against God?!?!?!
   1. Does this make anyone else uncomfortable?
      • “Gen 32 needs to be taken as a whole with its theophany (vv.1-2), prayer for deliverance (vv.9-12) and encounter with God (vv.24-31).”
2. Jacob is wrestling with his past. Jacob is coming home, looking for his future. Jacob is attempting to mend a relationship that he destroyed.
3. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: What do you do when you are waiting for something difficult to pass?
   1. PERSONAL CONNECTION: I cannot count the number of times I have wrestled with God in prayer and in planning as I anticipate a difficult event to come.
   • “Give it to God” …. Yeah, yeah, yeah… except WOOPS! That thing I gave to God is back in my hands again…
   • Scripture reading – what man thinks we can do vs what God thinks

APPLICATION: “What if we imagine, Working Preacher, that church is a place we can come to each week and bring all our other names with us, confessing them honestly and then leaving them behind, departing the assembly simply as Christians, those who bear the name of Christ and armed with the love, commitment, and courage of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of Israel, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Power of Names by David Lose)

• Jacob is changing his name and changing his narrative. Now, to be honest… he still isn’t a perfect guy. He clearly plays favorites with his children and that leads to terrible things BUT God changes Jacob’s name and sets him on a different path.
• To live is an invitation to wrestle – to exist is an opportunity to change our story, to change our name.
  1. We are not the name others give us; we are the name God gives us.
  1. We have a chance to change our names and invite others into this same fate.
• I invite you to reflect on the names you’ve been called. Reflect on the names you have given yourself (kind or unkind). I invite you to break the names of the past and start new:
  1. Fight Generational “demons,” Living sober, breaking toxic relationship habits

CONCLUSION: define my future, redeem my past, change my name.

COMMUNION: Lord’s table, God’s name, & our Redeemed name

Message Title: Dreamer of Dreams
Theme: Made to Be
Season: Ordinary Time
Main Text: Genesis 28:10-19a; Jacob’s Ladder
Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 parable of weeds
RCL Scripture: Genesis 28:10-19a; Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19 or Isaiah 44:6-8; Psalm 86:11-17; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Focus: God blesses trickster Jacob, gives him a responsibility, and makes him a promise.
Function: 
Other Notes:

scripture reading: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like someone who planted good seed in his field. 25 While people were sleeping, an enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 When the stalks sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The servants of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Master, didn’t you plant good seed in your field? Then how is it that it has weeds?’ 28 “‘An enemy has done this,’ he answered. “The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 “But the landowner said, ‘No, because if you gather the weeds, you’ll pull up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow side by side until the harvest. And at harvesttime I’ll say to the harvesters, “First gather the weeds and tie them together in bundles to be burned. But bring the wheat into my barn.”’”….36 Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field. 37 Jesus replied, “The one who plants the good seed is the Human One.[a] 38 The. field is the world. And the good seeds are the followers of the kingdom. But the weeds are the followers of the evil one. 39 The enemy who planted them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the present age. The harvesters are the angels. 40 Just as people gather weeds and burn them in the fire, so it will be at the end of the present age. 41 The Human One[b] will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all things that cause people to fall away and all people who sin. 42 He will throw them into a burning furnace. People there will be weeping and grinding their teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. Those who have ears should hear.”

INTRODUCTION

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: Who is growing a garden? What are you growing? How is it going?
   1. I have killed so many gardens before and I’ve finally realized why: gardens are a lot of work. It’s hard to be lazy with gardens and expect results. Sure there are plants that require less work but they may also provide less sustenance.
   1. PHOTO: This has been the first year I’ve had a successful garden and I blame the success on the four adults (plus my “farm hands” Aren H & Brody) all working on caring for it. WorkàResults

TRANSITION:  In our text for today, we will hear God bless Jacob. But is Jacob willing to do the work connected to his blessing? Track record not great – judging Jacob.

MAIN TEXT: Genesis 28:10-19a; ¹⁰ Jacob left Beer-sheba and set out for Haran. ¹¹ He reached a certain place and spent the night there. When the sun had set, he took one of the stones at that place and put it near his head. Then he lay down there. ¹² He dreamed and saw a raised staircase, its foundation on earth and its top touching the sky, and God’s messengers were ascending and descending on it. ¹³ Suddenly the Lord was standing on it^[b] and saying, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. ¹⁴ Your descendants will become like the dust of the earth; you will spread out to the west, east, north, and south. Every family of earth will be blessed because of you and your descendants. ¹⁵ I am with you now, I will protect you everywhere you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done everything that I have promised you.” ¹⁶ When Jacob woke from his sleep, he thought to himself, The Lord is definitely in this place, but I didn’t know it. ¹⁷ He was terrified and thought, This sacred place is awesome. It’s none other than God’s house and the entrance to heaven. ¹⁸ After Jacob got up early in the morning, he took the stone that he had put near his head, set it up as a sacred pillar, and poured oil on the top of it. ¹⁹ He named that sacred place Bethel,…

EXPLAINATION:

1. Recap:
   1. Last week we learned that Isaac’s wife Rebekah gave birth to twins Jacob and Esau. Esau was the oldest and therefore the one to inherit and receive the blessing as the eldest son. Esau gave up his birthright for some stew.
   1. Jacob also tricks Esau out of his father’s blessing. As a result, there is now animosity between the brothers, to the point where Jacob is sent away for his protection.
2. Today:
   1. Dreamer: Jacob was travelling to Haran (remember that’s Abraham’s family home aka Ur) when he had a dream in a place called Luz. He saw a holy connection point between earth and heaven: a gateway, a ladder, a stairway from heaven to earth. (Dust= descendants)
      1. SPECIAL NOTE: This point in our text is pre-Israel. I’m the God of Abraham and Isaac. God identifies God’s self by the names of Jacob’s ancestors to differentiate himself from any other gods Jacob may have heard of.
   1. God gives Jacob a blessing, a responsibility, and a promise:
      1. You will be blessed
      1. Everyone on earth will be blessed because of your family
      1. I won’t leave you until this is done
   1. Jacob’s response: He realizes that God is present in this place and is filled with awe.
      1. He blesses this location and erects a monument to distinguish this location. (Here I raise my ebenezer…)

INTERPRETATION:

1. If I’m honest with you, Jacob is one of my least favorite people in scripture. I struggle to make sense of his story because he seems like a tricky guy. Why would God reward Jacob? Why would God use Jacob? It doesn’t make sense. Jacob seems exactly like the kind of person God “should” reject.
   1. For some reason, this is the guy the Jews are named after. God will change Jacob’s name to Israel in Gen 32 (we’ll talk about that in August). Their name means to wrestle.
2. I’d much rather lean into my old interpretation of our scripture reading for today rather than accept Jacob.
   1. Scripture reading: I used to interpret our scripture reading from today as tricky people get their comeuppance. But then you get to the part where he says “all people who sin” will be thrown in the burning furnace. … Where is the hope if that is the case?
      1. COULD WE BE READING THIS PASSAGE WRONG?
         1. ??UNLESS – the furnace is to refine you rather than your destruction. ??
      1. Why has our default interpretation always been that God throws out the “bad people”? (because it makes us feel better) how does that fit into the bigger picture of the Bible and God using broken people to bring about God’s design? “Thank you, God, that I don’t decide who are weeds.”
         1. AND what does that say about God’s power and sovereignty?
         1. I *have* to believe that no one is a lost cause because of God’s character.
   1. What are weeds? Uncle Denny & Weeds vs. Wildflowers àweeds are plants that grow where we didn’t want them to. “Weeds” don’t exist.
   1. Whenever we find a part of scripture that’s hard to read, we have to stop, take it in context of the surrounding passages AND scripture as a whole. (Why are my eyes set on destruction?)
      1. Right after Jesus explains this parable, he uses a series of statements to explain the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven loves reclaiming the lost. The kingdom of heaven celebrates lost treasure found.
      1. God intends to bless all families through Jacob’s family. No one is outside of God’s plan.
      1. John 3:16-17 For God loved the world, he gave his only son. Whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God didn’t send his son to condemn but to save!

APPLICATION: God used Jacob. God can use us. AND God can use *that* person you think is a lost cause.

1. God uses people that we don’t expect or who we would reject.
2. God redeems stories for God’s glory. (Sovereign- no one is outside of God’s salvific reach)
3. Regardless of human decisions, God’s design will be completed. Human will power is not stronger than God. We are not powerful enough to derail God’s plans.
4. Get out of God’s way. Stop throwing people you choose into the proverbial furnace labeled as weeds.

CONCLUSION: God’s sticking with Jacob until God’s plans are accomplished. God’s sticking with us too.