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.

Relationships Require Courage

 

September 25, 2022

The story of Joseph being sold into slavery is a tragic one.  Some many people could have done something differently to avoid the situation.

Pastor Rob focuses on the lack of courage in the story, specifically in the person of Reuben.  It is easy to talk about relationships and character, but then come the moments of real test and challenge.

Turns out that “growing loving relationship with Jesus and each other” (St. Paul’s mission statement) requires courage in the face of sin, death and broken relationships.

The image comes from a University of Michigan website on caring giving for someone who is dying.

Am I Enough?

 

September 18, 2022

“Is there enough to pay for groceries?” 

“Do I have enough patience for this challenge?” 

“Am I good enough to find a partner in life?” 

Questions about whether we have enough or even more deeply, if we are enough haunt us our whole life. 

As we begin our sermon series on Joseph, we recognize that the story of Joseph focuses on the question of scarcity and abundance.  Throughout the story, we encounter questions of physical and emotional resources — is there enough, enough food, enough wisdom and enough love?  The answer we hear from life is a bit disturbing, a bit like our life — there may, actually, not be enough.

We need to hear another voice, not simply a word of affirmation, but a word of promise, that in Christ, we are enough.

The image is from https://karlamrose.weebly.com/blog/christ-is-in-me-i-am-enough

Lost in our own home

 

September 11, 2022

Can one be lost in one’s own home?  In the parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:1-10), the coin is lost in its own home.  Furthermore, the being lost is entirely not of its own doing, simply a result of how life flowed.

In our own lives, we too can feel lost and disoriented, even in our own homes, for reasons entirely beyond our control.  A reflection on the work of God in those times.

Note:  The art work is by Godfried Schalcken.  This copy may be found at https://artvee.com/dl/the-parable-of-the-lost-piece-of-silver/

We have our own copy at the church, but the lighting prevented a good photo from being taken.

The Mess, not the Monastery

 

September 4, 2022

Doing the right thing is hard.  Life gets messy!

Sometimes, in fact, we might be tempted to think that following Jesus occurs in the wilderness, away from things and away from others.  While getting away for a bit is good and healthy, ultimately, Jesus calls us to follow him and live our out discipleship amid the messiness of life.

A reflection on the messes we make — middle school hallways, home construction projects and college admission processes.  Turns out not only are we called to live in the mess, but that God can make things beautiful there too.  

The image comes from an article on the website Ignatian Spirituality about God in the Mess.