A Messy Family
Pastor Jason Family can be messy. From those who have become estranged because of some family conflict, to those crazy, eccentric relatives, to siblings who just don’t seem to understand one another, to parents with differing or unrealistic expectations, to you name it…family can be messy.
Most of us are uncomfortable with mess. We either want to clean it up, fix it, and mend what is broken. Or we want to steer clear of the mess altogether. After all, if it is out of sight, then it is out of mind, right?
The truth is, neither of these options works really well. On the one hand, ignoring a problem never solved anything. In fact, ignoring a problem almost always makes it worse. On the other hand, Not one of us can “fix” any other person on God’s green earth. Well, with one exception: you can, with hard work and support from those around you, mend yourself.
Nonetheless, no matter how messy life can get, God is present, albeit often in the most mysterious ways, creating sparks of light amidst the messy darkness. And this is illustrated so well is the story of Jacob’s messy family, found in the book of Genesis.
Over the next few weeks, our Old Testament reading will walk us through the story of Jacob, including his struggle with his brother Esau, his visions, and his marriages to Leah and Rachel. These stories are familiar to many people and yet the details and nuances of them escape most of us. If these stories tell us anything it is that life, especially family life, is messy. Yet in the presence of the messiness, God is present and working out goodness for everyone in the family. So pay attention over the next few weeks, think outside the box, and discover a God who is working all things together for good, most especially our messy lives.
If You Missed Sunday’s Sermon on July 2…
Read or Listen to Freedom Is Coming – Romans 6:12-23
Genesis 25:19-34 – The children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is to be this way, why do I live?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger.” (NRSV, v.22-23)
Psalm 119:105-112 – By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. (The Message, v.105)
Romans 8:1-11 – Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! (The Message, v.5)
Matthew 13:1-9,18-23 – Let anyone with ears listen! (NRSV, v.9)
This Week at Hood
Wednesday, July 12, 4:30 pm – Prayer & Inspiration
Thursday, July 13, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Pastor Jason at the Cellar for drop-on conversation (108 N Wilson Ave)
Sunday, July 16, 11:00 am – Worship