7/19/20
Sermon Notes:
Here are the Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle and New Testament lectionary readings for this Sunday:
Genesis 28:10-19a and Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 , Romans 8:12-25 , and Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
In the Genesis passage we read of Jacob’s ladder and God’s promise extended from Abraham and Isaac down to Jacob.
The psalmist considers the mystery that God knows us from before time began, and is everywhere, always.
The selection from the Letter to the Romans is Paul’s continuing meditation on our immortal lives in the Spirit, even as we live in the flesh: the flesh God created and the same flesh that also thinks (and often convinces us) that it has a life apart from the Spirit.
In Matthew, we hear Jesus tell another story, the story of the weeds among the wheat.
For today, take a look at the reading from Psalm 139. Linger over verses 7-10.
If you had a parent, grandparent, or other role model who was “there for you” these verses may feel familiar. If you were “on your own” emotionally or otherwise, these verses may seem foreign, comforting, or even threatening.
Let the idea sink in that God has always been with you, at your darkest moments and greatest heights, when you felt lost and when you felt secure. Take a moment to let that “idea” sink into your heart.
Just take a few seconds to breathe and tune in to your own heart. Can you feel God holding you, walking with you, knowing your best and worst intentions, and loving you through all the confusion, chaos, achievements and blessings?
My prayer for us is that we do feel God abiding with us in this very intimate way. The truth is, though, we do not always feel God. Therefore, our joy is that we have each other.
As the body of Christ, we hold the light and knowledge of God’s love for each other. In those times that you cannot feel God’s love, you can know that someone else is holding you in that Truth. In times you do feel God’s love, you can rest assured that this is a blessing to all believers.
On Sunday, we will read the passages from Genesis and Matthew, so tune in for the beautiful account of Jacob’s dream and another puzzling parable from Jesus.
See you Sunday!
Yours with much love, In Christ –
Jane