Thursday, August 11, 2011
What Joseph's story says to us
Joseph was willing to follow God’s plan. Are we seeking God; is God seeking us? When does God find you? If God finds you are you willing to go with God?
These are hard question.
We are all seeking something in our life. We may be seeking status, pleasure, or greater indulgence in life or it may be something to help others. God is seeking us and we must be willing to go where God wishes us to go. Just as Joseph was taken in slavery to Egypt but later occupies the most responsible position in the land. God has a plan for each of us.
This all depends on being found by God then to be open to God’s request. One must be willing to remain open to God.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Joseph the dreamer
Joseph dreamed, but isn’t this what people who are called by God do? All people who are called by God to dream. All people dream but some seem to have a special ability or talent in dreaming. This seems to be the case of Joseph. Joseph was born to dream not to herd sheep.
The narrator of the Joseph story understands that dreams are a gift from God. Did Joseph receive this gift from Jacob as well as being encouraged along the way? To support Joseph, we find a boy with eleven brothers; the elder brothers had occupied places of service in the family, leaving him without a traditional place. Joseph finds that being a dreamer is a wide open field in the family.
The negative side of dreams is they cause conflicts in the family. Joseph’s dreams have destroyed the pecking order in the family. The elder brothers in following tradition would be the one with authority. Even Jacob’s authority is challenged.
We fast forward to the end of the story to interpret the dream to mean that God had a plan for Joseph. This plan included bringing the family back together as well as saving it from the famine. The even larger plan is to save all of Israel. The story changes at this point from Israel as an individual to Israel as a nation.
Did Joseph have any idea of how he would be used by God? Can we interpret events in our life today in relationship of how God will be using us in the future?
Monday, August 8, 2011
What are you seeking?
Sheree began with a quote for Augustine, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” If each of are honest, we would admit that there is a restlessness within all of us.
Joseph is the youngest of the brothers so he is not invited in on most of the fun. Joseph’s challenge is to spoil as much of the fun for all his brothers as he can possible accomplish. To make matters even worse Joseph was Daddy’s favorite. All the favoritism Joseph lost with his brothers was made up by his father.
The first significant point in Joseph’s story is his wandering in the area. The family had a history of wandering in this area of the world. Abraham and Sarah began the wondering, followed by Jacob wandering until he met God. Now Joseph is wandering around Shechem and Dothan until he finds his brothers. Joseph is not only a wander but also a dreamer. His dreaming is the source of his problem with his brothers. The brothers are not fond of the idea of their little brother being in charge of the family.
A man finds him wandering in the fields and asked, “What are you seeking?” Joseph responds, “My brothers who are grazing the sheep.” They are not here; they have gone to Dothan.
Who is sees us wandering around in our restlessness? Do we have someone to point us in the right direction? We, like Joseph, are wanders but sometimes we do not know what we are seeking. This sermon tells us that it is God we seek. Can Joseph teach us how to search?
Joseph is the youngest of the brothers so he is not invited in on most of the fun. Joseph’s challenge is to spoil as much of the fun for all his brothers as he can possible accomplish. To make matters even worse Joseph was Daddy’s favorite. All the favoritism Joseph lost with his brothers was made up by his father.
The first significant point in Joseph’s story is his wandering in the area. The family had a history of wandering in this area of the world. Abraham and Sarah began the wondering, followed by Jacob wandering until he met God. Now Joseph is wandering around Shechem and Dothan until he finds his brothers. Joseph is not only a wander but also a dreamer. His dreaming is the source of his problem with his brothers. The brothers are not fond of the idea of their little brother being in charge of the family.
A man finds him wandering in the fields and asked, “What are you seeking?” Joseph responds, “My brothers who are grazing the sheep.” They are not here; they have gone to Dothan.
Who is sees us wandering around in our restlessness? Do we have someone to point us in the right direction? We, like Joseph, are wanders but sometimes we do not know what we are seeking. This sermon tells us that it is God we seek. Can Joseph teach us how to search?
Friday, August 5, 2011
Jacob discovers a new self.
We find Jacob at the point of change in his life. Jacob is moving for the first half of life into the second half of life. This step is radical discipleship by Ron Rolheiser, OMI or as Richard Rohr describes it as the second half of life. I like both of these descriptions because they describe the process of becoming or returning to individuals as God intended. The process of returning formed in the image of God.
One thing we find that has changed in his thinking from either/or to both/and thinking. The is one of the signs of change as people advance on their spiritual journey. The simplistic thinking of either/or does not continue to remain in their thinking and actions.
Esau chooses the both/and. He accepts Jacob’s return by welcoming home. Jacob had not expected to receive this kind of welcome. Jacob discovers his code of existence either/or is replaced by both/and. Jacob returns home, plus he is welcomed back by his brother. He can now experience a new way of living out his life.
The best of both worlds is possible. This is like those of us who like cowboy movies but do not care for alien movies. Now we can enjoy both at the same time with Cowboys and Aliens. Jacob finds himself in a world where he does not need to prove to himself that he is the strongest, smartest or superior in anyway. He can now just be Jacob.
One thing we find that has changed in his thinking from either/or to both/and thinking. The is one of the signs of change as people advance on their spiritual journey. The simplistic thinking of either/or does not continue to remain in their thinking and actions.
Esau chooses the both/and. He accepts Jacob’s return by welcoming home. Jacob had not expected to receive this kind of welcome. Jacob discovers his code of existence either/or is replaced by both/and. Jacob returns home, plus he is welcomed back by his brother. He can now experience a new way of living out his life.
The best of both worlds is possible. This is like those of us who like cowboy movies but do not care for alien movies. Now we can enjoy both at the same time with Cowboys and Aliens. Jacob finds himself in a world where he does not need to prove to himself that he is the strongest, smartest or superior in anyway. He can now just be Jacob.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Jacob's challenge
Why does God wrestle with Jacob? Many suggest that God responds to Jacob’s history of deception; the story constitutes a disciplinary move on God’s part to teach Jacob that he cannot proceed into the future relying on his own devices. Up to this point Jacob’s life, his behavior has basically been along the path he chooses. The struggle up to this point has come from his desire to achieve the set goals in his life.
The struggle or wrestling with God brings Jacob to a place of change in his life. The inner change within himself may not have been realized at this point in his life. His main goal has been survival, saving his own life. Now he receives a name and purpose. All the change has been done by God, Jacob has been the object being acted on by God.
How will Jacob respond when faced with the challenge of the future? Has God adequately prepared Jacob for this change?
The struggle or wrestling with God brings Jacob to a place of change in his life. The inner change within himself may not have been realized at this point in his life. His main goal has been survival, saving his own life. Now he receives a name and purpose. All the change has been done by God, Jacob has been the object being acted on by God.
How will Jacob respond when faced with the challenge of the future? Has God adequately prepared Jacob for this change?
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Jacob wrestles with God
Jacob has come to the edge of his resources. He reaches appoint where he cannot deal with his relationship with God with his present skills and resources. At this point in our spiritual journey, we can find no reason to leave our present comfort zone. We will not leave this comfortable spot until we are forced to leave. The invitation has to be unexpected and unsought by ourselves.
Jacob finds that he is no longer in the driver’s seat. This could be the first time in his life that he is not in control. He also finds that his present plan is not sufficient to take him where he wants to go, back home. Only at this point does Jacob reach out to the real source that provides him a way home. Before, Laban had allowed Jacob to name his own wages but now God does not allow him to choose. There is only one way for Jacob.
At some point in our lives, we recognize that we have reached the place where we cannot fix, control, change, or understand this turmoil happening within us. Jacob has reached this place in his life as he wrestles with the messenger from God.
We see this happening in Paul’s experience on the Damascus road. The voice says, “It hurts to kick against the goad (Acts 26:14b). The goad is a sharpened stick for prodding and steering cattle. The symbol of this object is that it pushes us forward even beyond the point we wish to go and in the direction we do not want to go. Jacob experiences being pushed beyond his comfort zone into a new relationship with God that was never possible in his former state of being.
Jacob finds that he is no longer in the driver’s seat. This could be the first time in his life that he is not in control. He also finds that his present plan is not sufficient to take him where he wants to go, back home. Only at this point does Jacob reach out to the real source that provides him a way home. Before, Laban had allowed Jacob to name his own wages but now God does not allow him to choose. There is only one way for Jacob.
At some point in our lives, we recognize that we have reached the place where we cannot fix, control, change, or understand this turmoil happening within us. Jacob has reached this place in his life as he wrestles with the messenger from God.
We see this happening in Paul’s experience on the Damascus road. The voice says, “It hurts to kick against the goad (Acts 26:14b). The goad is a sharpened stick for prodding and steering cattle. The symbol of this object is that it pushes us forward even beyond the point we wish to go and in the direction we do not want to go. Jacob experiences being pushed beyond his comfort zone into a new relationship with God that was never possible in his former state of being.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Jacob seeks a new journey
Jacob begins to feel the desire to return home. He has spent several years raising a family, securing financial security but realizes something is missing. He asks Laban for permission to go to his own home and country. Jacob is seeking spiritual maturity. He is seeking the opportunity to return home. Jacob is seeking to enter the second half of life. Though he does not know the details of his journey he desires to begin the journey.
What happens to Jacob and his search for the path to return home? His uncle discourages his when he offers Jacob an opportunity to receive more things. Jacob will receive all the spotted and speckled goats and sheep.
Richard Rohr says this is what happens when one moves from the first half of life into the second half of life. The world we live in is a first half of life world. The goal is to acquire “The Three P’s” or power, prestige, and possessions. This is what Laban offers Jacob to discourage the process of moving to the second half of life. The first half of life is prepared to offer us anything to keep us from returning home.
The three p’s stand between Jacob and his new name!
What happens to Jacob and his search for the path to return home? His uncle discourages his when he offers Jacob an opportunity to receive more things. Jacob will receive all the spotted and speckled goats and sheep.
Richard Rohr says this is what happens when one moves from the first half of life into the second half of life. The world we live in is a first half of life world. The goal is to acquire “The Three P’s” or power, prestige, and possessions. This is what Laban offers Jacob to discourage the process of moving to the second half of life. The first half of life is prepared to offer us anything to keep us from returning home.
The three p’s stand between Jacob and his new name!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Jacob leaves for home
Jacob feels the need to return home. He has been gone twenty odd years. This becomes both a physical longing for home as well as a spiritual movement in Jacob’s life. The part of Jacob’s life up to this point some would refer to as the Lizard brain-reproduction and gathering stage. He as a family and also has acquired great wealth. Jacob has been preparing all his life for this time, although he may have never realized this point.
We find Jacob at a place where he is left alone wrestles with God. The image begins as a man or messenger but everyone sees this as God or a direct representative of God. Jacob wrestles all night maintaining in control of this situation. For the first time in his life while being in control he does not receive the blessing he is asking for. He does receive a new name along with all that it means for the future. It does not seem that this was what Jacob was actually expecting.
Reaching the end of the wrestling match, he does not know for certain what will happen next. About the only difference is that he is no longer afraid. He has confidence to continue the journey.
The spiritual transformation has occurred. Spiritual maturity begins with a new awakening. Jacob will continue to have trouble in his life. He is returning to the original person God intended his to be. Created in the image of God.
Jacob’s story is our story. We all struggle to return to the point where we were created in the image of God. Back to the beginning seem like we have not accomplished much on this journey. This is an invitation to a further journey. Richard Rohr says: “A journey into the second half of our own lives awaits us all. Not everybody goes there…A further journey is a well kept secret for some reason.” (Richard Rohr Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life)
We find Jacob at a place where he is left alone wrestles with God. The image begins as a man or messenger but everyone sees this as God or a direct representative of God. Jacob wrestles all night maintaining in control of this situation. For the first time in his life while being in control he does not receive the blessing he is asking for. He does receive a new name along with all that it means for the future. It does not seem that this was what Jacob was actually expecting.
Reaching the end of the wrestling match, he does not know for certain what will happen next. About the only difference is that he is no longer afraid. He has confidence to continue the journey.
The spiritual transformation has occurred. Spiritual maturity begins with a new awakening. Jacob will continue to have trouble in his life. He is returning to the original person God intended his to be. Created in the image of God.
Jacob’s story is our story. We all struggle to return to the point where we were created in the image of God. Back to the beginning seem like we have not accomplished much on this journey. This is an invitation to a further journey. Richard Rohr says: “A journey into the second half of our own lives awaits us all. Not everybody goes there…A further journey is a well kept secret for some reason.” (Richard Rohr Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life)
Friday, July 29, 2011
What do we do before returning home?
Jacob has this desire to return home but is not completely convinced. He is trying to figure out what he wants to do.
A Swiss Theologian, Hans Urs Von Balthasar (1905-1988) said, “All great thought springs from a conflict between two eventual insights.”
1. The wound which we find at the heart of everything is finally incurable.
2. Yet, we still try! And, in fact, we are driven to try!
Conflict drives Jacob to see change in his life-going home. Conflict had driven his to seek change by actually running away. Now we find Jacob struggling with the decision of returning home.
Returning home is what we all seek at some point in our life especially when entering the second half of life. Can we identify with the Jacob story up to this point of the story?
A Swiss Theologian, Hans Urs Von Balthasar (1905-1988) said, “All great thought springs from a conflict between two eventual insights.”
1. The wound which we find at the heart of everything is finally incurable.
2. Yet, we still try! And, in fact, we are driven to try!
Conflict drives Jacob to see change in his life-going home. Conflict had driven his to seek change by actually running away. Now we find Jacob struggling with the decision of returning home.
Returning home is what we all seek at some point in our life especially when entering the second half of life. Can we identify with the Jacob story up to this point of the story?
Thursday, July 28, 2011
When do things work for good?
Toward the end of his sermon Mark turns to Romans 8:26-39. God deals with us at our weakest point. Jacob has reached a low pointing in serving Laban seven years, another seven years, only to find another seven years added to his length of service.
“We know that all things work together for good of those when love God” (Romans 8:28). As we can see farther down the road, Jacob’s life does change for the better. He begins the journey back home that he has wished for. As the events are taking place, Jacob does not see all things working together for his good. He could see only seven more years of service to his uncle.
Life has its interruptions where we are facing another seven years of service. How do we see God working together for good? If our life is in harmony with God, then God’s plan is our plan. Don’t we see this taking place in our lives but usually on God’s time?
“We know that all things work together for good of those when love God” (Romans 8:28). As we can see farther down the road, Jacob’s life does change for the better. He begins the journey back home that he has wished for. As the events are taking place, Jacob does not see all things working together for his good. He could see only seven more years of service to his uncle.
Life has its interruptions where we are facing another seven years of service. How do we see God working together for good? If our life is in harmony with God, then God’s plan is our plan. Don’t we see this taking place in our lives but usually on God’s time?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Yearning to Return Home
In our weakness God helps us. Jacob has proved that he is not capable of being faithful. He continues to attempt to control every situation, but Laban seems to be getting the best in most of the deals. We see that Jacob is thinking about going home. “Sent me away, that I may go to my own home and country. Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know very well the service I have given you.”
What is happening to Jacob? God deals with us when we are at our weakest point. Jacob has reached the place in his life where he wants to return home. In the spiritual journey, returning home is the beginning of the second half of life.
Jacob has a family but not possessions so he is convinced to remain for another seven years of service to Laban. Another seven years will provide economic security for Jacob.
What is happening to Jacob? God deals with us when we are at our weakest point. Jacob has reached the place in his life where he wants to return home. In the spiritual journey, returning home is the beginning of the second half of life.
Jacob has a family but not possessions so he is convinced to remain for another seven years of service to Laban. Another seven years will provide economic security for Jacob.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Facing Disappointment
Finally, Jacob has found completeness when he finishes the seven years of service to Laban. Now he will receive the woman he has been in live with since he first met her at the well.
Jacob breaks the first community custom when he rolls the stone away so Rachel could water the sheep. The custom was for everyone to wait until all had arrived before removing the stone in order that all shared equally as a community in the community resources.
Now after seven years, instead of receiving the wife he had been expecting Laban has given him the eldest daughter Leah. The community custom of the eldest being given in marriage first be observed according to Laban. After negations with Laban, Jacob receives Rachel in exchange for another seven years of service.
The story shows a Jacob who is not in control of all the events in his life. Things have gone as Jacob planned up until he meets his uncle Laban. Now Jacob is in a position where he must negotiate if he is to have his way.
Does Jacob learn how to accept disappointment?
Jacob breaks the first community custom when he rolls the stone away so Rachel could water the sheep. The custom was for everyone to wait until all had arrived before removing the stone in order that all shared equally as a community in the community resources.
Now after seven years, instead of receiving the wife he had been expecting Laban has given him the eldest daughter Leah. The community custom of the eldest being given in marriage first be observed according to Laban. After negations with Laban, Jacob receives Rachel in exchange for another seven years of service.
The story shows a Jacob who is not in control of all the events in his life. Things have gone as Jacob planned up until he meets his uncle Laban. Now Jacob is in a position where he must negotiate if he is to have his way.
Does Jacob learn how to accept disappointment?
Monday, July 25, 2011
Real with Relatives
Mark begins with the fact that our lives are reduced to a series of distractions. The plans we make for our lives do not usually proceed as we planned. Regardless of how well we plan and work our plan it does not take us to the destination we hoped for.
Jacob had a plan. He would work for Laban for seven years and the reward would be receiving Rachel as his wife. Laban did not understand the contract this way. He had an older daughter that he needed to get rid of so he substitutes Leah. Jacob is upset because Laban has deceived him. This is an important point in this story, the great deceiver gets deceived. But the story does not end, Laban has a plan. Jacob can work another seven years for Rachel. After a week, Jacob will receive Rachel for his wife. Within a week, Jacob has two wives.
Jacob had a plan to receive one wife, but now he has two wives. What happens when our plans go wrong? How do we deal with frustration?
Are willing to accept another plan or go in another direction?
Jacob had a plan. He would work for Laban for seven years and the reward would be receiving Rachel as his wife. Laban did not understand the contract this way. He had an older daughter that he needed to get rid of so he substitutes Leah. Jacob is upset because Laban has deceived him. This is an important point in this story, the great deceiver gets deceived. But the story does not end, Laban has a plan. Jacob can work another seven years for Rachel. After a week, Jacob will receive Rachel for his wife. Within a week, Jacob has two wives.
Jacob had a plan to receive one wife, but now he has two wives. What happens when our plans go wrong? How do we deal with frustration?
Are willing to accept another plan or go in another direction?
Friday, July 22, 2011
Meeting God In The Present Moment
The meeting of Jacob and God occurs in a dream. Is this the only way or place that Jacob is open to God? The world of Jacob while he is awake is one of plotting against anyone and anything that he comes into contact with during his waking moments. This must be a fearful and lonely place for Jacob.
Does God use the only means available to move into Jacob’s world? One would think an empty-handed fugitive would have been more open to receiving assistance.
God promises to accompany Jacob on his journey and bring him back to this place. God accepts Jacob as he is warts and all. God waits for him to develop spiritually. God uses what God has available at the present moment. At this stage in Joseph’s spiritual development, God can only promise his presence.
Is God willing to wait until we are spiritually ready before God uses us?
Are we content with God’s presence until we become prepared to follow God to the next phase of our journey?
Does God use the only means available to move into Jacob’s world? One would think an empty-handed fugitive would have been more open to receiving assistance.
God promises to accompany Jacob on his journey and bring him back to this place. God accepts Jacob as he is warts and all. God waits for him to develop spiritually. God uses what God has available at the present moment. At this stage in Joseph’s spiritual development, God can only promise his presence.
Is God willing to wait until we are spiritually ready before God uses us?
Are we content with God’s presence until we become prepared to follow God to the next phase of our journey?
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Jacob Controls the Situation
“Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you” (Genesis 28:15).
After God has promised to provide to be Jacob’s guide, guard, and provider if only he will be faithful, Jacob makes a vow. “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God” (Genesis 28:20-21).
Why does Jacob bargain with God for a better deal? Jacob has affirmed what God had promised him. He is accepting God’s offer, but on his own terms. Jacob will continue only if God will meet his requirements. He has to be in charge. Is he serious when he says, “Surely God is in this place-and I did not know it”?
This is the same old Jacob, always in first place; always working to remain in charge of every situation. Do we see ourselves in the Jacob character?
After God has promised to provide to be Jacob’s guide, guard, and provider if only he will be faithful, Jacob makes a vow. “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God” (Genesis 28:20-21).
Why does Jacob bargain with God for a better deal? Jacob has affirmed what God had promised him. He is accepting God’s offer, but on his own terms. Jacob will continue only if God will meet his requirements. He has to be in charge. Is he serious when he says, “Surely God is in this place-and I did not know it”?
This is the same old Jacob, always in first place; always working to remain in charge of every situation. Do we see ourselves in the Jacob character?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
God Surprises Jacob
We are left with the question of why God chose Jacob. We can examine the conditions of Jacob’s experience. Jacob is on the run because he does not wish to face his brother. Jacob is seeking safe place not an experience with God. Jacob does not expect to have a religious experience. The place where he stopped did not even have a name until this time.
The first thing we notice about Jacob is that he was at his most vulnerable moment while he was asleep. The second thing is that Jacob is not in charge at this moment. He is usually aware of his situation which is a change of always being in control at every moment. This experience is controlled by God and not Jacob. This is a drastic change for him, because he is usually in control of events and planning ahead.
God appears in an unexpected place and at an unexpected time. This is not the place where Jacob would expect to encounter God. Does God surprise us with encounters at times and places where we do not expect? If Jacob had expected to encounter God, he would have had a plan to control the situation. Does God come to us when we do not expect God to be present? Is this how God presents God agenda before we have an opportunity to set the agenda?
The first thing we notice about Jacob is that he was at his most vulnerable moment while he was asleep. The second thing is that Jacob is not in charge at this moment. He is usually aware of his situation which is a change of always being in control at every moment. This experience is controlled by God and not Jacob. This is a drastic change for him, because he is usually in control of events and planning ahead.
God appears in an unexpected place and at an unexpected time. This is not the place where Jacob would expect to encounter God. Does God surprise us with encounters at times and places where we do not expect? If Jacob had expected to encounter God, he would have had a plan to control the situation. Does God come to us when we do not expect God to be present? Is this how God presents God agenda before we have an opportunity to set the agenda?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Choosing Jacob
Why would God pick someone like Jacob to promise the land or the future of the family of God? How could God trust the family to someone like Jacob?
God promises Jacob that God would be a guide, guard, and provider if Jacob will be faithful. From this story, we have no evidence that Jacob would be a is faithful. He continues the conniving ways in his relationships with others.
Jacob begins his bargaining with God. If God will be his guide, provider, and do this list of requests, then God could be his God. If you will provide for all of my wishes, you can be my God.
Mark asks if this sounds familiar to us. If you will come through for us, you can be our God. If you do all the things we want, we promise to be whole hog for you. Jacob was bargaining for a better deal. Are we like Jacob, always looking for a better deal?
God promises Jacob that God would be a guide, guard, and provider if Jacob will be faithful. From this story, we have no evidence that Jacob would be a is faithful. He continues the conniving ways in his relationships with others.
Jacob begins his bargaining with God. If God will be his guide, provider, and do this list of requests, then God could be his God. If you will provide for all of my wishes, you can be my God.
Mark asks if this sounds familiar to us. If you will come through for us, you can be our God. If you do all the things we want, we promise to be whole hog for you. Jacob was bargaining for a better deal. Are we like Jacob, always looking for a better deal?
Monday, July 18, 2011
“Real Estate or The Real Estate”
Genesis 28: 10-19a
Sunday morning we listened as Mark describes the difference between real estate and the real estate as we hear the story of Jacob. He ask how God could choose a person like Jacob to receive God’s promise and ending with a question of how God could choose persons like us to receive God’s blessings? We must follow the story to find our place in the real estate.
Jacob was forced to leave home for several reasons. First, he had stolen Esau’s birthright when he traded a bowl of stew for the birthright. Second, he received the blessing of his father by pretending to be Esau. Third his mother wanted to keep the blood line pure. So he should return to land of their ancestors to find a wife.
So we have Jacob fleeing because of the fear of his brother and to please his Mama. Either of these reasons could be enough reason to get out of town.
Jacob comes to Bethel where he receives a promise from God. God promises that Jacob and his descendents will inhabit the land that God had promised them.
God promises to be Jacob’s guide, guard, and provide the physical needs so Jacob accepts God’s offer.
Mark asks the question: Why would God pick Jacob? He is asking us to consider the question of why God would pick us.
Genesis 28: 10-19a
Sunday morning we listened as Mark describes the difference between real estate and the real estate as we hear the story of Jacob. He ask how God could choose a person like Jacob to receive God’s promise and ending with a question of how God could choose persons like us to receive God’s blessings? We must follow the story to find our place in the real estate.
Jacob was forced to leave home for several reasons. First, he had stolen Esau’s birthright when he traded a bowl of stew for the birthright. Second, he received the blessing of his father by pretending to be Esau. Third his mother wanted to keep the blood line pure. So he should return to land of their ancestors to find a wife.
So we have Jacob fleeing because of the fear of his brother and to please his Mama. Either of these reasons could be enough reason to get out of town.
Jacob comes to Bethel where he receives a promise from God. God promises that Jacob and his descendents will inhabit the land that God had promised them.
God promises to be Jacob’s guide, guard, and provide the physical needs so Jacob accepts God’s offer.
Mark asks the question: Why would God pick Jacob? He is asking us to consider the question of why God would pick us.
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