Reconciliation in Families and among Families

 

October 23, 2022

Today we wrap up the preaching series on Joseph with the powerful scene of Joseph reconciling with his brothers.

The story resonates deep within us because we all have experienced reconciliation in our families OR more likely, are longing to experience such reconciliation.

The more we wrestle with the story, the more we realize it is not simply about reconciliation in the family of Joseph or even reconciliation in our family, but reconciliation between the families of the earth.

The Artist is Yoman Raanan. 

• I believe this art work is called:  Joseph embracing Benjamin
• I found his art here:  https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals/blog-posts/1918
• You can read about his work here: https://www.yoramraanan.com/artists-statement

A Surprisingly Familiar Story

 October 16, 2022

The man in the picture is Judah (Genesis 44).  You might not remember his name.

In many ways, what he does suggests he should be forgotten:  Judah is someone who betrayed his brother and had an affair with another family member.  Currently, his family has no food and his brother has been arrested. 

And yet…Judah acts as an agent of God’s reconciling love, making a huge sacrifice.  Turns out that God can work through all types of people, including people with pasts they are not proud of and present situations that overwhelm them.

Last week was a sermon about God helping us through hard times and enabling us to become resilient in faith.  This week is about God working through us – broken sinners like Judah – to help others in their tough times!  

The picture is from one of the children’s bibles that are being used during the children’s sermons.

Becoming Resilient

 

The question the past few years is not whether you got knocked down, but where you got up again!  We’ve been pushed and challenged again and again, calling for resiliency.

Pharaoh’s dreams will mean an incredible challenge for Joseph.  Even though he has been pushed down repeatedly, he is willing to rise up and accept this task.

It turns out that perhaps the most resilient person in the Bible (after Jesus!) is the Joseph.  A reflection on how Joseph became resilient and how our Christian faith can help us become more resilient.

This artwork shared is from a Philadelphia native Bill Bell.  I had never heard of him before, but what amazing stuff! You can see more here:

Bill Bell – Art Licensing International, Inc.

or

Rita Shoemaker’s Bill Bell Pinterest Page

Something more than passion

 

October 2, 2022

“What am I to do with my life,” the young man asked me.  I responded with a typical answer:  “Find your passion!” 

Years later, I regret such an answer.  A reflection on Joseph in prison, our purpose in life and how I would answer this question today.

The image is from the quilts in our sanctuary, which will be given away.  They point toward a deeper sense of purpose.