A Man Named Joe
Genesis 50:15-21, Luke 19:1-10, II Thessalonians 1:1-4
Joseph looks at his brothers and says: You intended to harm me, but God intended for good to accomplish what it is now doing.
Now that is a line that reality tv shows search for. 19 Kids & Counting, Kate Plus Eight. The Jackson family…they got nothing on this bible verse.
The Story of Scripture…So Far:
A promise given, believed and seen
Promise given by God. Believed by people and seen in the world.
Creation as good
Humanity violating prohibition
Family furthering dysfunction
Noah: God’s new beginning
Abraham and a promise
Abraham believes the promise
Isaac: a child of promise
Jacob & Esau: blessing & curses
Today, Joseph, who I will call Joe. Do you remember Joe the plumber, the famous player in the 2008 presidential election? Well, we have another Joe today. A man named Joe.
Genesis: A Man Named Joe
If you like soap opera’s, then this family tree is something you will love.
Today’s Scripture reading is near the end of Joe’s story. The plot of the reading is that brothers are fearful that Joe will punish them now that their father Jacob has passed.
Background:
· Jacob (who is renamed Israel) sees the woman of his dreams: Rachel. He negotiates 7
years of labor for his Uncle Laban for her hand in marriage.
· Jacob is deceived by his Uncle into marrying Leah, then works for Leah’s sister Rachel.
· Jacob has 12 sons, by four different women: Leah (first 4), Rachel’s Maidservant Bilhah
(2), Leah’s maidservant Zilpah (2), Leah again (2, 6 overall) and Rachel (2).
· Rachel’s oldest Son is Joseph.
· Joseph was the honored son in Jacob’s eyes (33:3: in rear with Rachel as he meets Esau)
· Rachel dies in giving birth to Joseph’s brother, Benjamin
One point of all this: these 12 tribes, with different, competitive, insecure backgrounds, bring their family story into the mix.
Joseph
· 37:4: When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they
hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
· his dreams: sheaves of wheat, stars and sun/moon.
· the plot to kill Joseph, the cistern alternative/sell to the merchants and fake his death
· Joseph is sold by merchants to Potipher a leader in Egypt
· Joseph and Potipher’s wife, he is thrown in jail, gains trust of warden
· the dream of the cupbearer and the baker (cupbearer forgets Joe)
· 2 years pass, Pharaoh has a dream “Today I am reminded of my shortcomings” the
cupbearer says)
· Joe speaks to Pharaoh about a coming drought/famine and advice for overcoming it,
pharaoh acknowledges wisdom, puts him in charge of palace and the land of Egypt
· Joseph leads wisely and navigates the people through the famine
· people from throughout the world visit Egypt, includes the 10 sons of Israel, looking for
food (Benjamin was kept at home the first time)
· a series of stories in which Joseph {teaches his brothers a lesson}
· Joseph reveals himself to his brothers
· the sons return to the land to get Jacob and all of the families, surviving the famine (and
ironically, setting up slavery)
· Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons as he is dying then Jacob blesses his sons
· Jacob dies, leading to the story today
At the end of the day, this is a really incredible story, with unbelievable ups and downs. But it is also a very human story, universal in its appeal.
Emotions/Situations that You and Joe have in common
--do you feel disliked?
--do you feel betrayed?
--do you feel unsafe?
--do you feel snubbed?
--do you feel forgotten?
Ways to you and Joe can honor God
*integrity when tempted (literal running away when necessary)
*waiting patiently when things are down
*speaking to those in power, even if with trepidation
*having wisdom to navigate difficult situations
*the courage to show who you are and resolve differences
*trust in the sovereignty of God (God meant it for good)
*the desire to have your loved ones blessed.
Luke: Jesus Names and Renames Zacchaeus
Salvation comes to an unexpecting house.
A wealthy man (by shady and culturally rejected means) is interested in Jesus as he comes through town. Goes to humble means to see him (climbing the tree). Jesus says come down: I’m staying with you.
What would you do in order to see Jesus?
The presence of Jesus, and that encounter, changes Zacchaeus for the good. He rights his wrongs. And through Jesus, salvation comes to him and his house.
What would you say to Jesus
Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. We are named and called by Jesus. And when we respond, are given our titles we had lost or misplaced: children of the living God, children of the king, sons and daughters of the living God.
II Thessalonians: Men and Women Named…
If Joseph is a story that speaks to all of us, and Zaccheus is given back his true name of Son of Abraham, then what about us? What are the religious titles that we bear? Paul’s words give us a few clues.
· A church
· Followers of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
· people of peace and grace
· people of a growing faith
· people of an increasing love
· people of a persevering hope
Today, is Reformation Sunday. Tomorrow is All Saints Day
The story of the church is that a bunch of men and women with everyday names like Joe who have changed the world. The world is changed for good when we remember the core of our faith, (as the reformers did five hundred years ago): Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone. We remember the saints who have gone into the presence of God.
Today, faith, hope and love
Tomorrow: a gift given by God
Forever: held in the arms of the Almighty
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Abraham, the Early Years
The Story of Scripture: Abraham, the Early Years
Chapter 5: the Early Years
Today, we celebrate World Communion Sunday, which is a reminder that the family of Christ extends throughout the world. Today in our year long story of Scripture, we learn of Abraham, by whom the promise that God’s blessing will reach to the ends of the earth
So far in the story of Scripture: Creation, Fall, Cain, Flood.
Today, the story turns. We move from nations to nation. From humanity to a chosen people.
The tower of babel, and its attempts to throw off the power of God, are replaced by the hopes of one family and its faith.
Genesis 12:1-9
The Promise: I will make you into a great nation.
The problem with the promise: 11:30, “now Sarai was barren; she had no children”
There is humor in my title: The early years: we meet Abram when he was 75.
The Story of Scripture and the Story of Abram and Sarai are really the same story: the story of a promise from God. The promise requires faith.
Will God keep it? Will they believe it?
The promise: FROM GOD
I will make you into a great nation
I will bless you
I will make your name great
I will bless those who bless youI will curse those who curse you
Walter Brueggeman writes,
The promise of land is to a landless people
The promise of an heir is made to a barren, hopeless couple.
How do you make a future when there is no foreseeable options?
For this question, we must turn to our Seinfeld friend, George Costanza.
KRAMER (moves over and sits next to George): Do you ever yearn?
GEORGE: Yearn? Do I yearn?
KRAMER: I yearn.
GEORGE: You yearn.
KRAMER: Oh, yes. Yes, I yearn. Often, I...I sit...and yearn. Have you yearned?
GEORGE: Well, not recently. I craved. I crave all the time, constant craving...but I haven't yearned.
KRAMER (in disgust): Look at you.
GEORGE: Aw, Kramer, don't start...
KRAMER (moving back to the othe side of the booth): You're wasting your life.
GEORGE: I am not! What you call wasting, I call living! I'm living my life!
KRAMER: O.K., like what? No, tell me! Do you have a job?
GEORGE: No.
KRAMER: You got money?
GEORGE: No.
KRAMER: Do you have a woman?
GEORGE: No.
KRAMER: Do you have any prospects?
GEORGE: No.
KRAMER: You got anything on the horizon?
GEORGE: Uh...no.
KRAMER: Do you have any action at all?
GEORGE: No.
KRAMER: Do you have any conceivable reason for even getting up in the morning?
GEORGE: I like to get the Daily News!
Like George, Abraham's data in his story did not look well. That is, if we forget the main character of the story> God is the main character.
In the midst of the dry land comes life giving water. In the midst of the barrenness comes hope.
God does his work apart from the human perspective, and human means of accomplishment.
“to stay in safety is to remain barren; to leave in risk is to have hope.” (B, 118)
And so Abram and his family get up and go.
Ironically,
Abraham intermingles with nations in the narrative: Egypt, Melchizadek, Moab, Ammon.
(just like the promise said).
12:9-20
And then, very quickly: “unfaith”
The promised land becomes famine land. And Abraham and family go to Egypt.
Between the characters and their speeches, comes the entrance of God.
At first, it seems unfair.
“Abraham’s shabby actions does bring curse” (Brueggeman, 129)
(just as the promise said)
Romans 4:13-25
Remember, it is God.
“God giving life to the dead and calling things that are not as though they were.”
“Against all hope, Abraham had hope in God.”
“He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God.”
“Being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised”
Luke 16:19-31
Abraham emerges as one of the most influential characters in the Bible.
Jesus uses the image of Father of many nations, in a story about the afterlife.
Abraham shares to the rich man: that if you do not believe the words of God, you would not believe the works of God.
(just like Abraham did)
Conclusion
What is the choice?
“The story of Abraham and Sarah put a crisis before humanity. It is the crisis of deciding to live either for the promise, and so disengaging from the present barren way of things, or to live against the promise, holding on grimly to the present ordering of life.” (Brueggeman, 113)
What are we to do today?
Seeing the promise. And,
Live By faith
Chapter 5: the Early Years
Today, we celebrate World Communion Sunday, which is a reminder that the family of Christ extends throughout the world. Today in our year long story of Scripture, we learn of Abraham, by whom the promise that God’s blessing will reach to the ends of the earth
So far in the story of Scripture: Creation, Fall, Cain, Flood.
Today, the story turns. We move from nations to nation. From humanity to a chosen people.
The tower of babel, and its attempts to throw off the power of God, are replaced by the hopes of one family and its faith.
Genesis 12:1-9
The Promise: I will make you into a great nation.
The problem with the promise: 11:30, “now Sarai was barren; she had no children”
There is humor in my title: The early years: we meet Abram when he was 75.
The Story of Scripture and the Story of Abram and Sarai are really the same story: the story of a promise from God. The promise requires faith.
Will God keep it? Will they believe it?
The promise: FROM GOD
I will make you into a great nation
I will bless you
I will make your name great
I will bless those who bless youI will curse those who curse you
Walter Brueggeman writes,
The promise of land is to a landless people
The promise of an heir is made to a barren, hopeless couple.
How do you make a future when there is no foreseeable options?
For this question, we must turn to our Seinfeld friend, George Costanza.
KRAMER (moves over and sits next to George): Do you ever yearn?
GEORGE: Yearn? Do I yearn?
KRAMER: I yearn.
GEORGE: You yearn.
KRAMER: Oh, yes. Yes, I yearn. Often, I...I sit...and yearn. Have you yearned?
GEORGE: Well, not recently. I craved. I crave all the time, constant craving...but I haven't yearned.
KRAMER (in disgust): Look at you.
GEORGE: Aw, Kramer, don't start...
KRAMER (moving back to the othe side of the booth): You're wasting your life.
GEORGE: I am not! What you call wasting, I call living! I'm living my life!
KRAMER: O.K., like what? No, tell me! Do you have a job?
GEORGE: No.
KRAMER: You got money?
GEORGE: No.
KRAMER: Do you have a woman?
GEORGE: No.
KRAMER: Do you have any prospects?
GEORGE: No.
KRAMER: You got anything on the horizon?
GEORGE: Uh...no.
KRAMER: Do you have any action at all?
GEORGE: No.
KRAMER: Do you have any conceivable reason for even getting up in the morning?
GEORGE: I like to get the Daily News!
Like George, Abraham's data in his story did not look well. That is, if we forget the main character of the story> God is the main character.
In the midst of the dry land comes life giving water. In the midst of the barrenness comes hope.
God does his work apart from the human perspective, and human means of accomplishment.
“to stay in safety is to remain barren; to leave in risk is to have hope.” (B, 118)
And so Abram and his family get up and go.
Ironically,
Abraham intermingles with nations in the narrative: Egypt, Melchizadek, Moab, Ammon.
(just like the promise said).
12:9-20
And then, very quickly: “unfaith”
The promised land becomes famine land. And Abraham and family go to Egypt.
Between the characters and their speeches, comes the entrance of God.
At first, it seems unfair.
“Abraham’s shabby actions does bring curse” (Brueggeman, 129)
(just as the promise said)
Romans 4:13-25
Remember, it is God.
“God giving life to the dead and calling things that are not as though they were.”
“Against all hope, Abraham had hope in God.”
“He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God.”
“Being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised”
Luke 16:19-31
Abraham emerges as one of the most influential characters in the Bible.
Jesus uses the image of Father of many nations, in a story about the afterlife.
Abraham shares to the rich man: that if you do not believe the words of God, you would not believe the works of God.
(just like Abraham did)
Conclusion
What is the choice?
“The story of Abraham and Sarah put a crisis before humanity. It is the crisis of deciding to live either for the promise, and so disengaging from the present barren way of things, or to live against the promise, holding on grimly to the present ordering of life.” (Brueggeman, 113)
What are we to do today?
Seeing the promise. And,
Live By faith
Sunday, October 3, 2010
post season predictions
My predictions for the upcoming season.
Based upon my pre-season predictions, I picked 3 out of the four NL participants, not seeing the emergence of the Reds. In the AL, I predicted 2 out of the four, suprised by the Rays and Rangers. Really, if the Sox hadn't been hit by the worst injury outbreak that I have ever witnessed, they probably would still be playing.
Phils over reds in three.
Giants over braves in four.
Phils over Giants in five.
Twins over Yanks in five.
Rays over Rangers in five.
Rays over Twins in six.
Phils over Rays in five.
This year, I actually have some sense of reason for being a homer.
Based upon my pre-season predictions, I picked 3 out of the four NL participants, not seeing the emergence of the Reds. In the AL, I predicted 2 out of the four, suprised by the Rays and Rangers. Really, if the Sox hadn't been hit by the worst injury outbreak that I have ever witnessed, they probably would still be playing.
Phils over reds in three.
Giants over braves in four.
Phils over Giants in five.
Twins over Yanks in five.
Rays over Rangers in five.
Rays over Twins in six.
Phils over Rays in five.
This year, I actually have some sense of reason for being a homer.
Baseball Regular Season Predictions
Well, as promised, a followup to my regular season predictions. I'll keep my original predicted order, original predictions, final results, (final order), and games I was off by.
NL EAST
Phillies, 91-71, 97-65, six
Braves 89-73, 91-71, two
Marlins 84-78, 80-82, four
Mets 81-81, 79-83, two
Nats 71-91, 69-93, two
.NL CENTRAL
Cards 90-72, 86-76 (2nd place), four
Cubs 85-77, 75-87 (5th place), ten
Brewers 84-78, 77-85, seven
Reds 78-84, 91-71 (1st place), thirteen
Astros 77-85, 76-86 (4th place), one
Pirates 63-99, 57-105, six
NL WEST
Giants 87-75, 92-70 (1st), five
Rockies 86-76, 83-79 (3rd), three
Dodgers 85-77, 80-82 (4th), five
Diamondbacks 74-88, 65-97, (5th), eleven
Padres 71-91, 90-72 (2nd), nineteen
AL EAST
Sox 95-67, 89-73 (3rd place), six
Yanks 94-68, 95-67, one
Rays 85- 77, 96-66 (1st place), nine
O's 70-92, 66-96 (5th place), four
Jays 68-94,85-77 (4th place), seventeen
AL CENTRAL
Twins 88-74, 94-68, six
Tigers 86-76, 81-81 (3rd), five
W. Sox 82-80, 88-74 (2nd), six
Royals 71-91, 67-95 (5th), four
Indians 66-96, 69-93 (4th), three
AL WEST
Angels 85-77, 80-82, (3rd), five
M's 83-79, 61-101, (4th), twenty-two
Rangers 81-81, 90-72 (1st), nine
A's 79-83, 81-81 (2nd), two
Fuve Biggest Swings and Misses:
Mariners, 22 off, signings didn't pan out, no offense.
Padres, 19, wow. good for them. good pitching. Maybe they will build on it.
blue Jays, 17. Good for them. Especially in a tough AL east
Reds, 13. They proved me wrong. Good job!
Diamondbacks, 11. Who cares.
My next post will be postseason predictions. I have to give it about 45 seconds of deep thought.
NL EAST
Phillies, 91-71, 97-65, six
Braves 89-73, 91-71, two
Marlins 84-78, 80-82, four
Mets 81-81, 79-83, two
Nats 71-91, 69-93, two
.NL CENTRAL
Cards 90-72, 86-76 (2nd place), four
Cubs 85-77, 75-87 (5th place), ten
Brewers 84-78, 77-85, seven
Reds 78-84, 91-71 (1st place), thirteen
Astros 77-85, 76-86 (4th place), one
Pirates 63-99, 57-105, six
NL WEST
Giants 87-75, 92-70 (1st), five
Rockies 86-76, 83-79 (3rd), three
Dodgers 85-77, 80-82 (4th), five
Diamondbacks 74-88, 65-97, (5th), eleven
Padres 71-91, 90-72 (2nd), nineteen
AL EAST
Sox 95-67, 89-73 (3rd place), six
Yanks 94-68, 95-67, one
Rays 85- 77, 96-66 (1st place), nine
O's 70-92, 66-96 (5th place), four
Jays 68-94,85-77 (4th place), seventeen
AL CENTRAL
Twins 88-74, 94-68, six
Tigers 86-76, 81-81 (3rd), five
W. Sox 82-80, 88-74 (2nd), six
Royals 71-91, 67-95 (5th), four
Indians 66-96, 69-93 (4th), three
AL WEST
Angels 85-77, 80-82, (3rd), five
M's 83-79, 61-101, (4th), twenty-two
Rangers 81-81, 90-72 (1st), nine
A's 79-83, 81-81 (2nd), two
Fuve Biggest Swings and Misses:
Mariners, 22 off, signings didn't pan out, no offense.
Padres, 19, wow. good for them. good pitching. Maybe they will build on it.
blue Jays, 17. Good for them. Especially in a tough AL east
Reds, 13. They proved me wrong. Good job!
Diamondbacks, 11. Who cares.
My next post will be postseason predictions. I have to give it about 45 seconds of deep thought.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Story of Scripture: Out of the Flood
The Story of Scripture: Out of the Flood
Chapter 4: the Flood
Genesis 6:5-22, Genesis 9:7-17, Luke 24:1-12
In various religious and cultural literature, there are multiple accounts of a major flood that filled the earth. But today’s story is not about history, rather, its value is as a story about God. What do we learn about God in this story?
The tragedy of the flood
--tragic because of the expansion of wickedness
--Tragic because the Lord was grieved that he had made man, and his heart was
filled with pain.
--tragic that this event God said needed to happen. (6:7, 6:13)
--hopeful and holy in that God will fulfill his purposes for creation.
The Flood is not the end of the story. What comes out of the flood?
Out of the Flood: A new beginning. New life. A new humanity. New respect for human life. A New covenant. A new promise never to leave.
This idea of God declaring in new ways his faithfulness to humankind helps us understand some earlier references in the story of Scripture.
In the Garden of Eden; humans were placed out of the presence of the Lord.
In the story of Cain: he is cast out of the presence of the Lord.
Post-flood, we no longer hear or read of stories of people out of the presence of God. The template for God's patience and dealings with humankind are summed up by the biblical promise:
Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.
Another example, comes to us in Paul's Romans 8 passage, where we are reminded that things like angels, demons, heights and depths do not have the power to separate us from the love of God.
Our stories today focus us on two people: Noah and Peter:
“It is ironic that at the moment of passion and impending death, embodied faith first appears in the world” (Walter Brueggeman, pg. 80). Noah, in a time of extreme darkness, becomes a light that God sees. Peter, when the moments are darkest for the disciples, wonders about the news the women tell him and his fellow disciples.
These two stories tell of a New humanity that emerges out of judged humanity.
Noah: I’m sure he must have wondered as he built his boat.
Peter: he wondered too. Later in his life, he wrote some letters.
Noah in the New Testament: speaks to
Resurrection
Baptism I Peter 3:13-22
Second Coming II Peter 2:4-10, 3:3-15
God’s ultimate expression of never leaving us was through Jesus coming to us, being God in human flesh. And after sacrifice for sin, the new life of Christ.
Resurrection: another type of never again.
In the Resurrection story, we find: new life, new humanity, God’s care for all life, communion as the new cup and bread.
What do you do when the whole world has changed before your eyes?
--you come before God.
--you come to see what was promised.
--a rainbow
--a promise of never again.
--a promise for you and for those around you.
--a promise for those around you and for all creation.
Chaos is not the last word. God has the last word. And what is that word: the power, faithfulness, kindness and grace of the Lord. In the middle of the flood story, we read in 8:1: "And God remembered Noah."
Out of the flood, we find grace and mercy. Praise be to God.
Chapter 4: the Flood
Genesis 6:5-22, Genesis 9:7-17, Luke 24:1-12
In various religious and cultural literature, there are multiple accounts of a major flood that filled the earth. But today’s story is not about history, rather, its value is as a story about God. What do we learn about God in this story?
The tragedy of the flood
--tragic because of the expansion of wickedness
--Tragic because the Lord was grieved that he had made man, and his heart was
filled with pain.
--tragic that this event God said needed to happen. (6:7, 6:13)
--hopeful and holy in that God will fulfill his purposes for creation.
The Flood is not the end of the story. What comes out of the flood?
Out of the Flood: A new beginning. New life. A new humanity. New respect for human life. A New covenant. A new promise never to leave.
This idea of God declaring in new ways his faithfulness to humankind helps us understand some earlier references in the story of Scripture.
In the Garden of Eden; humans were placed out of the presence of the Lord.
In the story of Cain: he is cast out of the presence of the Lord.
Post-flood, we no longer hear or read of stories of people out of the presence of God. The template for God's patience and dealings with humankind are summed up by the biblical promise:
Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.
Another example, comes to us in Paul's Romans 8 passage, where we are reminded that things like angels, demons, heights and depths do not have the power to separate us from the love of God.
Our stories today focus us on two people: Noah and Peter:
“It is ironic that at the moment of passion and impending death, embodied faith first appears in the world” (Walter Brueggeman, pg. 80). Noah, in a time of extreme darkness, becomes a light that God sees. Peter, when the moments are darkest for the disciples, wonders about the news the women tell him and his fellow disciples.
These two stories tell of a New humanity that emerges out of judged humanity.
Noah: I’m sure he must have wondered as he built his boat.
Peter: he wondered too. Later in his life, he wrote some letters.
Noah in the New Testament: speaks to
Resurrection
Baptism I Peter 3:13-22
Second Coming II Peter 2:4-10, 3:3-15
God’s ultimate expression of never leaving us was through Jesus coming to us, being God in human flesh. And after sacrifice for sin, the new life of Christ.
Resurrection: another type of never again.
In the Resurrection story, we find: new life, new humanity, God’s care for all life, communion as the new cup and bread.
What do you do when the whole world has changed before your eyes?
--you come before God.
--you come to see what was promised.
--a rainbow
--a promise of never again.
--a promise for you and for those around you.
--a promise for those around you and for all creation.
Chaos is not the last word. God has the last word. And what is that word: the power, faithfulness, kindness and grace of the Lord. In the middle of the flood story, we read in 8:1: "And God remembered Noah."
Out of the flood, we find grace and mercy. Praise be to God.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Story of Scripture: Family Systems
The Story of Scripture
Chapter 3: Family Systems: Cain & Abel
Has something ever come out of your mouth, and you think to yourself, "Did I just say that?".
This also happened to the people in Scripture.
Did I Say That?
1. Peter: I will never deny you Lord.
2. Disciples: Which One of Us is the Greatest?
3. Mother of James and John: I’d like my one son to rule at your right hand.
4. Sarah: I did not laugh.
5. Am I My Brother’s Keeper?
We continue of Story of Scripture. So far we have learned about
Creation: God said it was good.
Fall: The purpose and permission for humanity is compromised.
Today, we see some dynamics from the 'first family.' The human family expands, as do the problems for humanity.
In the story of Cain and Abel, we see the
Randomness of offerings: the rejection by God of Cain's offering. Why was this offering rejected?
Cain’s choice: anger or righteousness (James 1)
The power of sin: Lurking, desiring.
You must rule over it is a command, while some see it as a promise.
Original intent: rule over creation
Post-fall: rule over sin
When God first approaches Cain after his murder, two things happen.
Lies: I don’t know
Misdirection: Am I my brother's keeper?
The short answer for humanity is 'yes', we are called to care for our brother. Each person is an individual, but we are connected as children of God.
The power of judgment:
More toil, fruitless
Restlessness, wandering
Hidden from God’s presence
Death and vengeance
Mark: Protected, and exemplified. Shame and security Walter Brueggeman writes about Cain, “He is protected, but far from home and without the promise of homecoming.”
Matthew 5:21-26 is a passage where Jesus picks up on this theme of the murder of brother/or sister.
In today's Gospel Parable
Peter feels the power to forgive 7 times is generous: Jesus expands that greatly, by saying that 77 times where one forgives is the new standard.
The parable is about God's kingdom: A kingdom where God demands justice, righteousness, neighborliness, forgiveness and mercy
Cain Interpreted: I John
How do we know we are right? Love that flows from faith
What is love?
Jesus Christ laid down his life. And we do the same.
Possessions
Pity
Actions and truth more than words
Walter Brueggeman writes:
Most days we would choose {anything} rather than face the brother. But the gospel is uncompromising. The promises are linked to the brother and will be had no other way. It is a mystery that the gift of new life is so close at hand, present in the neighbor. So close at hand but so resisted. We do not readily embrace such a mystery. Perhaps that is the reason sin waits so eagerly.
Chapter 3: Family Systems: Cain & Abel
Has something ever come out of your mouth, and you think to yourself, "Did I just say that?".
This also happened to the people in Scripture.
Did I Say That?
1. Peter: I will never deny you Lord.
2. Disciples: Which One of Us is the Greatest?
3. Mother of James and John: I’d like my one son to rule at your right hand.
4. Sarah: I did not laugh.
5. Am I My Brother’s Keeper?
We continue of Story of Scripture. So far we have learned about
Creation: God said it was good.
Fall: The purpose and permission for humanity is compromised.
Today, we see some dynamics from the 'first family.' The human family expands, as do the problems for humanity.
In the story of Cain and Abel, we see the
Randomness of offerings: the rejection by God of Cain's offering. Why was this offering rejected?
Cain’s choice: anger or righteousness (James 1)
The power of sin: Lurking, desiring.
You must rule over it is a command, while some see it as a promise.
Original intent: rule over creation
Post-fall: rule over sin
When God first approaches Cain after his murder, two things happen.
Lies: I don’t know
Misdirection: Am I my brother's keeper?
The short answer for humanity is 'yes', we are called to care for our brother. Each person is an individual, but we are connected as children of God.
The power of judgment:
More toil, fruitless
Restlessness, wandering
Hidden from God’s presence
Death and vengeance
Mark: Protected, and exemplified. Shame and security Walter Brueggeman writes about Cain, “He is protected, but far from home and without the promise of homecoming.”
Matthew 5:21-26 is a passage where Jesus picks up on this theme of the murder of brother/or sister.
In today's Gospel Parable
Peter feels the power to forgive 7 times is generous: Jesus expands that greatly, by saying that 77 times where one forgives is the new standard.
The parable is about God's kingdom: A kingdom where God demands justice, righteousness, neighborliness, forgiveness and mercy
Cain Interpreted: I John
How do we know we are right? Love that flows from faith
What is love?
Jesus Christ laid down his life. And we do the same.
Possessions
Pity
Actions and truth more than words
Walter Brueggeman writes:
Most days we would choose {anything} rather than face the brother. But the gospel is uncompromising. The promises are linked to the brother and will be had no other way. It is a mystery that the gift of new life is so close at hand, present in the neighbor. So close at hand but so resisted. We do not readily embrace such a mystery. Perhaps that is the reason sin waits so eagerly.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
To Be Fair
I realized that in my last two posts, I did not give appropriate reference to the enjoyable commentary I am reading.
Walter Brueggeman, Genesis: The Interpretation Series, John Knox Press, 1982.
This is a very enjoyable commentary. I find the whole Intepretation Series a beneficial read. It is a nice balance of scholarly, pastoral and informative reading.
Thanks for your patience in this matter.
Kean students, sorry folks, despite my mistake, you will need to source your research for your papers appropriately!
Walter Brueggeman, Genesis: The Interpretation Series, John Knox Press, 1982.
This is a very enjoyable commentary. I find the whole Intepretation Series a beneficial read. It is a nice balance of scholarly, pastoral and informative reading.
Thanks for your patience in this matter.
Kean students, sorry folks, despite my mistake, you will need to source your research for your papers appropriately!
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