7/26/20

Sermon Notes:

This week’s readings, particularly the reading from Genesis and the one from Matthew, are core stories for us to ponder God’s great love for us and God’s mysterious abundance.

In Genesis (32:22-31), we read the iconic story of Jacob wrestling the strange being, perhaps God, perhaps an angel. We feel his anxiety as he prepares himself to see Esau for the first time since cheating him out of his birthright so many years ago. We may relate to the confusion felt by his people as he leaves them and crosses the river for the night. And we may connect to the exhaustion of wrestling with hopes and fears. What a story, what a life! What a life we live as well! This is our story too.

In Matthew (14:13-21) We bear witness to Jesus teaching a crowd spiritual truth and then tending to their physical needs as well. As the disciples try to help Jesus, they see only lack. To everyone’s surprise, Jesus shows them that what they have is not only enough but, in fact, more than enough. 

For the sermon this week, we will delve into Jacob’s story and what his journey has to teach us about our own.

As we make our way to Sunday, think about the story in Matthew. Read Matthew 14:13-21. Think about some times in your life when small acts of sharing have led to big feelings of being provided for by a force bigger than yourself (i.e. God!).

Stay cool and safe dear friends. 

Yours in Christ, 

Jane