Genesis Bible Study

Genesis Bible Study

Lesson 27: Jacob Prepares To Meet Esau – Genesis 32

 

(Jacob at Mahanaim – Genesis 32:1-2) After he departed from Laban Jacob made his way toward Canaan. As he got close, “angels of God met him.” This is significant for several reasons. First, in Genesis 31:3 the Lord said “I will be with you.” So, this is a visible reminder that God was with Jacob as he travelled. Second, the name Mahanaim means “two camps” (see the note on page 55). Jacob was not accompanied by just one angel, but God’s presence was manifested as an entire host of angels. This will be significant when Esau comes to meet Jacob with a host of 400 men.

(Jacob’s Messengers Sent to Esau – Genesis 32:3-8) Despite the assurance Jacob received from God’s angels he still felt it prudent to approach Esau carefully. Remember that Jacob fled because Esau planned to kill Jacob once Isaac died (Genesis 27:41). Notice that Jacob tried to strike a very conciliatory tone; he referred to Esau as lord and himself as servant. What do you think Jacob is trying to accomplish with his message? In what sense to Jacob’s words “undo” the blessing that Jacob stole?

Notice also that Jacob called himself an “alien” with Laban even though Laban was his uncle. Why do you think Jacob felt he was an alien while living in Haran with Laban? What separated Jacob and Laban?

In verse 6 we find Esau’s response to Jacob’s message: Esau was coming to meet Jacob and he was bringing 400 men! How do you think Jacob received the news? What do you think were Esau’s intentions?

Whatever Esau’s intentions, Jacob was “greatly afraid” and prepared for the worst. He divided “the people that were with him … into two companies” think that one company might escape if Esau attacked. The division into two “camps” also recalls the name “Mahanaim” which indicated that the God had provided an army of angel to accompany Jacob. How is God watching over Jacob at this moment?

(Jacob’s Prayer – Genesis 32:9-12) Jacob’s other response to the news that Esau was coming was to pray to God and remind God that he is returning to Canaan in response to God’s command.

Jacob began his prayer by reminding God (and himself) that God began the relationship with Jacob and his family with Abraham and continued the relationship with Isaac. While it is not explicitly stated, Jacob was probably also recalling the promises that God made to Abraham and Isaac. In the same verse Jacob also reminded God that God promised to do him “good” if he returned to Canaan.  Why was it important for Jacob to begin his prayer with a reminder of what God had done in the past and of the promises God had made to Jacob? Who was really being reminded of God’s words? Why was it even more important that Jacob remember God’s words? What promises has God made to us? How can we incorporate them into our prayers?

In verse 10 Jacob praised God for his “steadfast love” and “faithfulness.” Again, these words serve to remind Jacob of who God is and how God has watched over him (and his family). Jacob also reminded himself that he was unworthy of all that God had done for him. Why was this type of confession important for Jacob? He then thanked God that he had increased from a lone traveler with a staff into two companies. How can we incorporate praise, confession and thanksgiving into our prayers?

Verse 11 is Jacob’s direct petition to God – “deliver me, please, from the hand of Esau.” Notice that Jacob asked for more than personal deliverance; he asked for God to deliver “the mothers, with the children.” Also, notice that Jacob does not ask for the destruction of Esau, only deliverance for himself and his family. Why is this significant? Do you think this indicated a change in Jacob? What specific petitions should we include in our prayers?

In verse 12 Jacob ended his prayer in the same we be began it, by reminding God of God’s promises made to Jacob. Why was it important to conclude in this way? Who needed this reminder most?

In his prayer Jacob was clearly asking for deliverance from his immediate situation – deliverance from Esau. However, his prayer also served as a reminder to Jacob that God had been with him (and his ancestors) and that God had promised to “do good” to Jacob and his children. How do you think Jacob felt after offering this prayer? What would happen if we modeled our prayers after Jacob’s prayer?

(Jacob’s Gifts to Esau – Genesis 32:13-21) After praying for God to deliver him, Jacob prepared a “present” for his brother. Clearly Jacob was very wealthy if he could give over 550 animals to Esau. Notice that Jacob does more than simply send Esau a present; he staggered the deliveries so Esau received them in small pieces. How do you think Esau responded when he received the gifts? Do you think they softened his mood?

Obviously Jacob feared for his life (see verse 11), but in verse 20 Jacob said “perhaps he will accept me.” What was Jacob hoping for in this verse. What would it mean for Esau to “accept” Jacob?

(Jacob’s Family Crossed the Jabbok – Genesis 32:22-23) The last people to cross into Canaan were Jacob’s wives and children. However, Jacob remained behind. Why do you think Jacob wanted to spend the night alone and outside Canaan?

(Jacob’s Wrestling – Genesis 32:24-32) This section is one of the most intriguing passages in Genesis both because of what it says and also what it leaves unsaid. In many ways this passage serves as a closing bracket to the story of Jacob in Haran. As Jacob left Canaan he encountered God in a dream and received a promise from God that God would watch over him and bring him back to the land of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 28:10-22). Before he can return to Canaan, Jacob must again meet God.

There is some ambiguity about Jacob’s wrestling opponent. In verse 24 we are told “a man wrestled with him.” Yet, by the end of the passage (verses 28 and 30) it becomes evident that this is no mere “man” but God manifested in human appearance. Why do you think the text is ambiguous about this? When do you think Jacob realized the true identity of his opponent?

In verse 25 the “man” is not able to “prevail against Jacob,” so he resorted to injuring Jacob. What does this say about Jacob and his relationship with God? Why did Jacob struggle against God? Why was it necessary for Jacob to be “injured” in this struggle? How does this mirror our own struggles with God? Do we too need to be injured before we can accept God?

In verse 26, Jacob’s opponent demands that Jacob release him because “the day is breaking.” The belief was that a person could not see the face of God and live. So, the “man” demand to be released is as much to protect Jacob as to hide his identity. So, by continuing to hold on and demanding a blessing, Jacob is risking death. Why was this blessing so important to Jacob that he was willing to risk death?

The “blessing” that Jacob receives is a new name, Israel. The text tells us that this name means “the one who strives with God.” Obviously, this new name reflects the wrestling match, but it also describes Jacob’s new relationship with God. We usually think that close relationships are based on love, but they can also be built on struggle. What does a relationship built on struggle look like? Where have you struggled with God and how does this struggle influence your relationship with God?

Notice that Jacob’s opponent will not reveal his name. Some commentators (see the note on page 56) claim that this is so Jacob will not gain power over him. Another possibility is that God was waiting until a more appropriate time to reveal his name. What other possibilities can you suggest?

Notice that even after he received the blessing, we are not told that Jacob released God. So, in some sense, Jacob/Israel continued to struggle with God for the rest of his life.

Throughout this passage we have been focusing on how Jacob was changed by his encounter with God. Remember that God was a willing participant in the struggle with Jacob/Israel, and that God was also changed by the encounter. How does the word struggle define Israel’s relationship with God? What does it means to say that God is bound to struggle with humanity? How does this word define our relationship with God?

While we will follow Jacob and his sons for the remainder of Genesis, this encounter marks a change in his life. He will become far less active in the events around him. Think back to the first time we met Jacob in Genesis 25:26 and he was grasping Esau’s heel. How did Jacob change over the years as he went from the one who “supplants” to the one who struggles with God?

In Genesis 17:11 the Lord gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. We remarked how that left an indelible mark in the flesh of Abraham’s descendants. In this passage Jacob received another “mark;” he was left limping because of the injury he sustained at God’s hand. Supposedly this was something that he carried for the rest of his life. Notice how the prohibition against eating the “thigh muscle that is on the hip socket” serves a similar purpose – it forces people to recall this event every time they butcher an animal for meat. How do the modern descendants of Israel continue to struggle with God?

One word we have not talked much about in this passage is “face.” In verse 20, Jacob was worried how Esau would receive him when he saw his face. In verse 30, Jacob said “I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” How did seeing God’s face prepare Jacob for seeing Esau’s face?

 

Next Class

Lesson 28: Jacob Meets Esau and Settles in Canaan

 

Sermon - August 25, 2013 - Obstacles to Grace

Obstacles to Grace

Sermon by Stephen Ricketts

Providence-Fort Washington United Methodist Church

Jeremiah 1:4-10; Luke 13:10-17

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – August 25, 2013

 

In today’s gospel reading we meet three people. First, there is the woman “who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years.” We really know very little about her; like so many people in the gospels (especially women) we do not even know her name. We do not know if she was married or had children; we do not know if she was rich or poor; we do not know what had left her unable to stand upright. For all that we do not know, we find ourselves drawn to her and her situation. Many of us here have back pain and there have been times when I could not straighten up because of the pain. So, we are sympathetic to her; and, if we were present I am sure many of us would have been quick to assist her in any way possible.

The next person we meet is Jesus. Actually we already knew that Jesus was there – we know he was “teaching in one of the synagogues.” That means that a group of people (probably men) was gathered around where Jesus was sitting listening to his every word. We do not know what Jesus was discussing, but it is likely he was explaining a passage that had previously been read aloud. In addition to teaching Jesus was also aware of what was going on in the synagogue. Like today, some people arrive early for services and some come in later so there would have been “movement” in the synagogue and Jesus was certainly aware of the comings and goings around him. But, when this particular woman entered, Jesus stopped what he was saying and called her into his circle. Notice that Jesus is the one who took the initiative; the woman was probably trying to stay in the background, so she was probably more surprised than anyone else when Jesus called her over. Then Jesus did something that truly amazed everyone present; with a simple word and touch he set her free from her infirmity and she was able to stand again without pain.

It is at this point that we meet the third person, the “synagogue leader.” If this was a silent movie this would be the point where the music changes to a minor key and everyone starts booing and hissing – the villain has stepped onto the stage. Instead of praising God that the woman had been released from her infirmity this man can only condemn Jesus for “working” on the Sabbath. How could he be so callous and cold-hearted? I say we all gather some stones and take him out immediately and stone him. Anyone want to join me in casting stones on this cruel and mean-spirited Pharisee who clearly deserves our wrath and condemnation?

Well, maybe we should not be so hasty. I seem to remember Jesus saying something like “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” Maybe we should try and understand the Pharisee a bit better before we start throwing stones; maybe we should look at ourselves before we condemn others. I believe the Pharisees get a bad rap in the gospels. Now, I do believe they could be rigid but they probably do not deserve all the criticism we pile on them. We need to remember that first and foremost they were fundamentally good and faithful Jews who truly wanted to please God by following the laws handed down from Moses. They believed it was possible for everyone who truly loved God to follow the Law. One of the ways they helped people follow the law was by interpreting the law in such a way that it was understandable to everyone. The Law says “Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy …you shall not do any work (on that day)” Clear enough until someone asks, “What is work?” The Pharisees tried to answer that question by defining work in such a way that people could know if they were indeed following God’s Law. Rules about things like counting steps or not lighting a fire helped people know they were following the Law. The Pharisees were not trying to punish people; they truly wanted to help God’s people follow God’s Law. So, on that day, the “synagogue leader’s” first concern was to help the congregation follow God’s Law as faithfully as possible; and that is a good thing. In many ways I find myself sympathizing with the synagogue leader. I too want to help God’s people follow God’s Law. I too would resent some travelling preacher stirring up trouble in my congregation by preaching a new and innovative message. I too would feel obligated to speak up if someone clearly transgressed the Law of Moses.

At the same time, I want to celebrate that this “daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years”, has finally been set free. I feel the tension. On the one hand, I want to be faithful to God and to all of God’s commandments. At the same time, I want to be compassionate and generous to all of God’s children. What happens when these two collide? What happens when following God’s law seems to obligate me to ignore a human need? Clearly, this has become an obstacle to grace for me.

I guess the first observation to make is that God’s laws do not apply to God. While God calls us to rest on the Sabbath in solidarity with those who cannot rest on any day, God continues to work every day. The sun shines and the rains fall on every day including the Sabbath. We have an advantage over the synagogue leader in that we know Jesus is free to be about his Father’s business every day. Today, we need to be alert and recognize when God is at work and get involved in God’s project no matter the day. For example, I believe God is at work among the homeless of D.C. we serve along with others at the House of Peace. Are we “working” when we travel to be with them and distribute food and other things they need? Yes, we are working, but we are not breaking the Sabbath because we are clearly following Christ’s lead.

Next, I believe that when we are faced with a choice between being compassionate and following the dictates of the Law that compassion wins. The rabbis of Jesus’ day knew it was permissible to lead an animal to food and water on the Sabbath; they knew it was permissible to render life saving aid to people on the Sabbath. The question is do we do the minimum required to save a life or do we attempt to do the maximum possible to give life to those in need. Jesus seems to come down on the side of doing the most possible to help those in need whenever we encounter them. The leader of the synagogue had a point – was there any particular reason to heal this woman on the Sabbath? She had been crippled for eighteen years; what difference would one more day make? Jesus’ actions clearly say that we must do the most we can to enhance life rather than the minimum required to save a life.

I also believe we cannot use Jesus’ actions that day as an excuse to violate God’s Law.  Jesus chose to heal on the Sabbath when the opportunity presented itself because it allowed him to make a point about God’s love. However, much of what Jesus did took place during the rest of the week; Jesus did not seek out opportunities to break the Sabbath. This means that our ministry must work within established frameworks as much as possible. At the same time our ministry must work around established frameworks whenever necessary. Should we visit the sick and homebound Monday through Saturday? Yes, that should be our normal pattern. And, should we visit them on Sunday? Yes, as often as necessary. Should we fight evil and injustice and inequality on Monday through Saturday? Yes, of course we should, and that should be our preferred option. And, should we fight evil and injustice on Sunday? Yes, we can never let evil off the hook by not fighting it on Sunday. Now, we should never seek excuses to break the Sabbath or any other of God’s commandments; we should strive to keep them as best we can. But, I believe God calls us to put our service to others before everything else.

The challenge, as I see it, is that being faithful to God and God’s call to be a faithful servant is hard work that requires much discernment. It is much easier to follow the rules; rules provide us with black and white choices that are relatively easy to make. But choosing justice and compassion may require us to go against the status quo. It is much easier to side with the synagogue leader and do as we are told. Choosing justice and compassion requires us to listen carefully for God’s voice. Choosing justice and compassion means following Jesus even when the world would have us go in a different direction.

It has been hard to avoid thinking about the March on Washington that took place fifty years ago this coming Wednesday. The men and women who participated in that March had to make a choice. If they stayed at home and followed the established rules they would stay out of trouble. But if they went where they felt Christ was leading them then there were no guarantees. That day, many chose to step out in faith and try and change the world. I, for one, am glad so many of them made the hard choice. I am glad they chose to believe in the dream that all of God’s children can live in peace and harmony. I am glad they put compassion and justice first.

As I look out in the world today, I see a lot of “synagogue leaders.” I see people who want to play by the rules even when those rules deny justice to others. I see people who want to enforce rules that keep people from living life to the fullest. I see people who want to enforce rules that help them maintain their place in society. I also see some people who are willing to challenge the rules and reach out in compassion to those who are suffering. I believe Christ is ready to remove the obstacles that keep his grace from flowing into all people. I believe Christ is calling us to put justice first. I believe Christ is calling us to release all those Satan has kept bound for too many years.

Amen.

 

 

This Week at Providence-Fort Washington - August 15, 2013

This Week at Providence-Fort Washington

Thursday, August 15, 2013

 

Turn again, O God of hosts;

look down from heaven, and see;

have regard for this vine,

the stock that your right hand planted..

Psalm 80:14-15

 

This Week In Worship – August 18, 2013

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Pastor Stephen preaching: Running OUR Race

Special Music: Because He Lives

Katie Burdick & Cheerie Dennis

 

Choir Retreat!

The Chancel Choir is getting ready for Fall!

Our first ever choir retreat will be Saturday August 31.

We will have the chance to reconnect with each other

and see all of the new season’s music.

Everyone interested in being part of the choir

is encouraged to attend!

 

Meetings Next Week

Worship Committee – Monday @ 1:00

PPR Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00

Committee on Lay Leadership – Wednesday @ 1:00

 

Welcome and Installation of the new

Washington East District Superintendent

On Sunday, September 22, 2013 at La Plata UMC

(3 Port Tobacco Road, La Plata, MD)

we will hold a service of welcome and installation

for the new District Superintendent of the Washington East District,

Rev. Dr. Rebecca K. Iannicelli.

The service will begin at 3 p.m.

with a reception of light refreshments following.

All are welcome to attend.

 

Life Line Screening

Providence-Fort Washington is pleased to offer a preventive health event.

Life Line Screening,

a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings,

will host their affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings on

September 17, 2013.

More information is available in the Information Sheets in the Narthex

 

Wednesday Bible Study

A Close Reading of Genesis

The Group meets at 6:00 pm for a potluck dinner.

The Bible Study begins at 6:30 pm and ends at 8:30 pm.

 

Hopi Presentation

Pastor Stephen and Sandy will talk about

their Hopi VIM Trip on

Sunday, September 15 after Worship

in the Fellowship Hall

 

Toiletries for Urban Ministry

We are collecting toiletries for Urban Ministry

Please bring item and place them in the

basket in the narthex.

 

Pastor Stephen’s Blog

Pastor Stephen is again posting to his blog

http://pastorstephen.blogspot.com/

It includes recent sermons and Wednesday Bible Study notes.

 

2013 Worship Attendance Goal

Our Worship Attendance Goal for 2013 is 92.

Our average worship attendance through August 11^th is 79.53.

 

Altar Flowers

Please sign-up to supply altar flowers.

Flowers can be used to mark any significant occasion

including birthdays, anniversaries, and memorials.

Altar flowers are $22.00 per vase and

payment is due when you request flowers.

 

Urban Ministry Update

The Urban Ministry Group is now leading Worship Services

on the Third Sunday of every month at

House of Peace

meeting at 3^rd Street Church of God in Washington, D.C.

As part of our ministry, we provide lunch and

offer hats, gloves, and coats for those in need.

We are accepting cash donations to offset the cost of this ministry.

Contact Pastor Stephen or Mi Ja for more details.

The Group will meet on Saturday, August 17^th at 9:30 am

to plan and prepare for our next trip into D.C. on August 18^th.

 

Giant Food Cash For Causes

Providence-Fort Washington has enrolled in the

Giant Food Cash For Causes Program

 

This program allows us to purchase

Giant Gift Cards at a 5% discount and then resell them for face value.

The 5% difference is then put in our General Operating Fund.

The difference between our cost and your purchase price

is also credited on your annual giving statement.

 

Pastor Stephen has some cards available for purchase

and you can order cards to be delivered next week.

The cards have no expiration date and can be used for anything Giant sells.

Please see Pastor Stephen to purchase cards or if you have any questions.

 

Charting Our Course

The Vision Committee has completed a “first sort” of all the suggestions received

and is distributing them to various groups within the church for their comments.

They expect to make recommendations for implementation of ideas soon.

We are still interested in your ideas on how to move our church forward.

 

Collection of Stamps and Labels

Don’t forget to continue collecting stamps to be used by veterans

In the Stamps for the Wounded program.  We also need box and

can labels (bar codes) for the Board of Child Care Auxiliary who

serves families in the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

 

Thank you!

Donna D., Secretary, P-FW United Methodist Women

 

Aluminum Can Recycling

We are collecting and recycling aluminum cans.

Please bring your aluminum cans in

and we will sell them to the recycling center.

 

Do you have something to add?

Do you have an announcement that need to get out to everyone in the church?

If so, please e-mail it to me (srricketts@verizon.net) and I will include it in the next

This Week at Providence-Fort Washington.

 

Blessings,

Pastor Stephen

 

Sunday Sermon - August 11, 2013

Dressed For Action

Sermon by Stephen Ricketts

Providence-Fort Washington United Methodist Church

Isaiah 1:1, 10-20; Luke 12:32-40

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost – August 11, 2013

 

One of my weekly tasks is finding cover-art for the bulletin. I try to find something each week that illustrates one of the scripture readings and also something that is engaging and interesting. I try to be as eclectic as possible and I often search for something that is outside the ordinary classical paintings. My usual procedure is to go to Google Images and type in a few keywords from one of the lessons and see what pops up. The easiest weeks are when the lesson has a well defined theme; themes like the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, or the Parable of the Sower work particularly well. However, some weeks are harder and I struggle to find something that really speaks to me. This week I settled for a picture of Isaiah because I could not find anything that really pertained to the gospel lesson. That does not mean that my time searching was wasted time; I did find some amusing images when I put in search terms like “Jesus’ return” or “second coming.” One of my favorites was a tee-shirt that says “Jesus is coming. Look busy.”

While I could not bring myself to use that on the bulletin cover, it did get me to thinking. Then, as I scrolled down, I ran into a quote attributed to Henry David Thoreau that says, “It is not enough to look busy, so are the ants. The question is: What are you busy about?” I later found out that that is a paraphrase of what Thoreau actually said, but it got me to thinking. Our Gospel message is clear: “Christ will come again.” Jesus himself calls us to be busy; so what should we be busy about?

In the second part of today’s reading from Luke, Jesus tells us to “be dressed ready for service” or as the New Revised Standard Version puts it, “be dressed for action.” Clearly Jesus intends for his followers to be “busy” as they await his second coming. Jesus intends for us to be ready to welcome him when he returns. Jesus expects that we will use the time that has been given to us in a profitable way. But, Jesus does not give us a “check-list” of things to do; rather he calls us to “be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Now, I do not feel qualified to list everything we should be doing as we anticipate Jesus’ return. But, I think there are some things we should avoid, and there are clearly some things we should be doing as we watch and wait for our Master’s return. One thing I feel we need to avoid is building barriers between ourselves and others by judging other people. When we judge another person we create a wall that separates us from them; a wall that diminishes them in our eyes; a wall that sees them as less deserving of God’s love and grace. Recently, Pope Francis spoke about homosexuals and he said, “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” Now, I am sure Pope Francis does not condone or encourage the homosexual lifestyle, but he also knows that we cannot marginalize people because of their sexual orientation. He knows that we were not placed here on earth to judge some as fit for the kingdom and judge others as deserving of eternal death. I know that I am not qualified to make such judgments; I am not able to read the secrets of another person’s heart. So, I believe that Jesus does not call us to be busy judging others as we wait for his return.

Another thing we need to avoid as we keep ourselves busy waiting for Jesus’ return is accumulating too much stuff. In the first part of today’s gospel reading Jesus calls us to “sell our possessions and give to the poor.” The truth is the more stuff we have, the bigger barns we need to store it. And we all know that bigger barns require a bigger security system to keep someone from taking our stuff. Soon, our love for our stuff grows to the point that it consumes our lives. Eventually our hearts cease seeking after God but we continue to accumulate more and more stuff. I sometimes wonder what questions Jesus will ask us when he returns. Somehow I cannot envision Jesus wanting to see our latest iPhone or wanting to know how much money is in our bank accounts. Jesus does want us to be busy; but, he does not call us to keep on accumulating more and more stuff as we wait for his return.

Clearly, Jesus does not call us to spend our time building walls to separate us from our neighbors. Nor does Jesus call us to spend our time gathering more stuff and cramming it into our already overstuffed barns. So, how should we be spending our time as we watch for our Master’s return? Well, I believe we must keep our eyes focused on the Lord; we must spend all of our time worshiping and praising God. When the Lord lead the people out of Egypt the first stop on their journey was Mount Sinai where they camped and where God himself delivered the Ten Commandments to all the people. And, the first commandment was “I am the Lord your God … you shall have no other gods before me.” When Jesus was asked to name the greatest commandment he replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Above all else, we must spend our time worshiping and praising God. Praises to God must be the first words on our lips in the morning and the last words on our lips at night. Worship cannot be confined to Sunday mornings; it must occupy every moment of our lives. Worship and prayer are not just something we do before meals or when we are in distress; prayer needs to be part of every breath; or, as Saint Paul puts it we must “pray without ceasing.” I believe “it will be good for those servants whose master finds them” worshiping God when he returns.

I also believe that Jesus calls us to spend our time “mak(ing) disciples of all nations.” There are obviously many ways to do this; preaching and teaching are important ways to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. But, I believe one of the best ways to make disciples is to be a visible disciple for all the world to see. When Sandy and I were in Hopi earlier last month we talked about what was our mission or purpose while there. Many of the Hopi we encountered are followers of traditional Hopi ways; they are not Christians. Some would call them heathens – heathens who need to be converted. Now, I would agree that we need to tell people about Jesus, but it has to be done in a way that draws people to Christ – not in a way that drives them away. Many Hopi resist Christianity because they have been wounded by Christians who sought to force Christianity on them. I believe that part of our mission was to show the Hopi that Christians are kind, loving and respectful people who want to connect with them as people. I believe we need to live a Christ-filled life that overflows with love and joy. I believe we have to show that following Jesus will not force people to abandon their traditions but free them to live grace filled lives. We must teach; we must preach; but above all we must live as disciples of Jesus as we make disciples for Christ. Last week we spent time with our neighbors at National Night Out. Our purpose was to simply get to know people; I hope they saw Christ as we enjoyed the food and listened to the great music. I believe “it will be good for those servants whose master finds them” living as disciples when he returns.

Jesus calls us to spend our time worshiping God; Jesus calls us to spend our time making disciples; and Jesus calls us to “love one another.” As Jesus gathered with his disciples on the night before he was crucified, he took a basin and towel and knelt before them and washed their feet. Then, he told them to “wash one another’s feet.” For the past several years we have washed each other’s feet as part of our Maundy Thursday service. I have discovered that is one of the most powerful and loving things we do as a community. Just as sharing the Bread and Cup at Communion draws us to Jesus; I believe we are drawn together in love when we “wash each other’s feet.” Now, foot washing takes a variety of forms, and in all of them we focus on just one person and connect with that person in a very personal and very intimate way. Foot washing can take the form of actual foot washing – kneeling down comforting a person by washing their hot and tired feet. But, we also wash someone’s feet when we sit with them while they undergo a medical procedure; we wash someone’s feet when we comfort them after a loved one has died; we wash someone’s feet when we hold their hand as they pass from this life to eternal life with Christ; we wash someone’s feet when we listen to their story of loss and suffering. Next Sunday we are going to D.C. to the House of Peace; why not come along and wash a few feet. I have discovered that it is these moments when we “wash each other’s feet” that draw us together in love and form us into the Body of Christ. I believe “it will be good for those servants whose master finds them” “washing each other’s feet” when he returns.

So, “be dressed for action; … be like those who are waiting for their master to return … so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks.” The Son of Man is coming at an “hour when you do not expect him” – be engaged in our Master’s work. It is not enough to look busy by “playing at religion” or “accumulating meaningless stuff.” As we await Christ’s return we must be truly engaged in building the Kingdom of God here on earth. We need to spend our time loving and worshiping God. This means regular worship and this means maintaining an attitude of worship every moment of every day. We need to spend our time making disciples for Jesus Christ. This means being so transparent in our lives that Christ shines through. This means living our lives so that others hear Christ in our words and see Christ in our actions. We need to spend our time “washing one another’s feet.” We need to love and care for each other at the deepest and most intimate level.

Jesus is coming; get busy.

Amen.

 

 

Sunday Sermon - August 4, 2013

Peril and Opportunity

Sermon by Stephen Ricketts

Providence-Fort Washington United Methodist Church

Luke 11:1-13

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost – August 4, 2013

 

Over the past several years we have often looked at Jesus’ parables together. They are wonderful stories that can help us hear Jesus speaking directly to us. As you no doubt remember, one of my favorite ways to study the parables is to try and look at them from the inside; you know choose a character in the parable and ask: “How do Jesus’ words apply to that particular character?” This method of “inside-out” study can be very helpful. You may remember that we looked at Jesus’ parable of the sower from the perspective of the sower, from the perspective of the seed, of the soil, and even from the perspective of the weeds - each new look brought fresh insight. So, when I realized that today’s gospel lesson from Luke contained a parable, I was all set to use this method once again. Then I actually read the parable and I realized that I was in trouble. You see the parable has only one character, the rich man who God calls a fool. To be fair there is another character, God, but I do not think we want to go there.

So, I decided to sit down and read all three lessons again, carefully this time, and see how they spoke to me. The lesson from Hosea, with its rich imagery of God teaching Israel how to walk was very appealing. And the lesson from Colossians with Paul’s impassioned call to die to our earthly pleasures and be born anew in Christ was very powerful as well. But, for some reason, I kept returning to the gospel reading. I was intrigued by the word “fool”. The word “fool” occurs many times in the Bible, mostly in the wisdom books, but this passage is the only place I could find where God directly called someone a fool. I began to wonder, what had this man done to deserve such condemnation from God?

So, I decided to go back to the parable and try and enter it from the perspective of the rich man, but this time, instead of trying different points-of-view, I wanted to follow his journey and see if I could pinpoint the decision or mistake that earns him the label of fool.

The first thing I noticed about the man is that he is a landowner,  that means that he is rich. In Jesus’ day, ownership of most of the land was concentrated in the hands of a few people, and everybody else subsisted as tenants. So, is this the man’s problem, the fact that he is rich? Well, I started to think about other people in the Bible and realized that a number of them were rich, some were very rich. Certainly Abraham was a rich man even though he was not a land owner. He possessed immense numbers of cattle and sheep. He had a large retinue of servants, and he had vast amounts of gold and silver. Yet, for all his wealth, Abraham spoke to God as to a friend and today we call Abraham the father of our faith. Abraham heard God’s call to be a blessing to the world and he followed God into new and uncharted territory. Another rich man was Boaz; he owned large fields and had many servants who tended his property. Yet, Boaz is remembered as the deliverer of Ruth and the great-grandfather of King David. There are many other rich men in the Bible: Jacob, David, Job, Solomon; all of these men had great wealth and not once did God call them fools. So, it would seem that wealth alone is not the reason God called this man a fool.

Next, I saw that the man was blessed with an abundance of food; his land produced abundantly. An abundant harvest is a blessing from God. This is not to say that we earn God’s abundance by our actions, but simply an acknowledgement that God is the one who blesses us with every good gift. So, simply being the recipient of God’s bounty is no reason to be called a fool.

Then the man began to consider his situation. He asked the question, “What should I do?” Here is a man with a problem, he had more wealth, more bounty, more food than he knew what to do with. He was in a genuine quandary. He knew his barns were not up to the challenge of storing such wealth and he knew that to waste it by allowing it to rot in the fields was not the solution either. Here, it is possible that the man was simply trying to be a good steward. He had received a great blessing from God and he did not know how to handle it. So, trying to take responsible care of God’s bounty is no cause for being labeled a fool.

As we follow the parable, I wonder if his next decision might be the one that got him into trouble; he decided to build even bigger barns to hold his wealth. I say “I wonder” because there is some precedence in the Bible for building big barns when faced with abundance. When Joseph was overseer of all Egypt, he built barns to store the abundance of Egypt against the coming famine. Now, I know I may be stretching the point a bit here, but I am willing to give this man the benefit of the doubt. Maybe, just maybe his plan to build new barns to store his abundance somehow fit into God’s plans in some unseen way. This may have been the reason God called him a fool, but I am not completely convinced. I believe we need to read just a little bit further before we call him a fool.

Well, the rich man’s next words seem to be the clincher. Listen to his reason for building bigger barns: “I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years, relax, eat, drink, be merry.”  This was the moment when he abandoned any thoughts for others; this was the moment he started thinking only about himself; this was the moment when he became a fool. Having great wealth was not the problem. Receiving abundant blessings from God was not the problem. Thinking about how to safeguard and use his resources wisely was not the problem. It was when he came to believe that the abundance was his and its only purpose was to make his life easy that he became the fool.

I must admit that our journey with the rich man through this parable has troubled me. It has troubled me because I have to admit that I am a rich man. Now I do not mean rich in comparison to the mega-wealthy;  but, I am wealthy in comparison to the vast majority of people in the world. I am wealthy and I am guilty of using that wealth for my comfort. I am a fool.

As I see it, we have a great dilemma. We have great wealth, but that wealth puts us at great peril. Wealth can quickly lead to greed and greed is idolatry and idolatry is the first and the greatest sin. When our wealth becomes our god then the Lord of Heaven is dethroned from our heart. Yet, at the same time, our great wealth also gives us great opportunities; opportunities to make a real difference in the world. How do we seize the opportunity and avoid the peril? How do we accept the great wealth and blessings that God has given us without becoming fools?

Well, today I cannot hope to give a complete answer to this old dilemma, but I want to offer three words that may help us avoid the peril that comes with our wealth; and, embrace the opportunity that comes with our riches. The first word is “light” - as in “keep a light hold on our possessions” - hold onto everything so lightly that we can drop it a moment’s notice with no regret. The fool in the parable was holding on too tightly to his possessions; so tightly that he was unable to let go when God came to “demand his life.” We came into this world with nothing and we will leave with nothing. How does our attitude towards our possessions change when we realize that we only hold them with the lightest of touches and that we will abandon them to others the moment God calls for our life?

The second word I would offer is “grateful” - as is “be grateful to God for the gifts God has given us.” What difference does it make if we see our possessions as something we have gained by our own effort or as something we have received as a gift from God? I know I tend to be more possessive, more protective, of something I have “earned” because I believe it represents my power. But, I treat gifts, especially gifts I have received from those I love, very differently. I value them not for what they are but for who they represent. Many times the object itself is worthless except that it was given to me by someone I love deeply. Then it takes on a value beyond silver or gold; it becomes priceless. So, what happens if we treat all our wealth that way; treat it as a gift from someone we love very dearly; treat it as a gift from God? Does it cease to be important for what it is and have value only because it represents God’s love for us?

My third word is “generous” - as in “be generous with all you have.” The real opportunity of wealth is the chance to be generous without care for tomorrow. When I was a small child, the joy of Christmas was discovering what I would get. It was only later that I came to understand the joy of giving the perfect gift. I believe God showers us with blessing so we can experience the joy of giving to others. How does our attitude change if we see possessions not as something we must clutch tightly, but as something we can cheerfully give away?

In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we find these words: “Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly” - especially greed, love of possessions, which is idolatry. These words may hold the key to escaping the peril of our possessions and embracing the opportunity God has given us through our wealth. It is only when we abandon the dead things of this world and seek the treasures of heaven that we become truly rich toward God. It is only then that we realize that we have been blessed with wealth so we may be a blessing to the world. It is only then that our possessions cease being a peril to our souls and become an opportunity to serve and love God by serving and loving others.

Amen.

 

This Week at Providence-Fort Washington - Thursday, August 1, 2013

This Week at Providence-Fort Washington

Thursday, August 1, 2013

 

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,

those he redeemed from trouble

and gathered in from the lands,

from the east and from the west,

from the north and from the south.

Psalm 107:1-3

 

This Week In Worship – July 28, 2013

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Pastor Stephen preaching: Peril and Opportunity

Communion Sunday

 

National Night Out

Join Your Neighbors for a

Family-Friendly Event  and Celebrate

“A Safe and Secure, Diverse Community” 

WHEN

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

WHERE

Potomac Village Shopping Center

12749 Old Fort Road, Fort Washington, Maryland

FEATURING

Southern Maryland Jazz Orchestra

Light Refreshments

 

Summer Worship Music

Beginning June 30^th the chancel choir will be on hiatus.

This is your opportunity to showcase

your musical talents during worship.

See Judy or Pastor Stephen to sign-up to provide

music during the summer months.

 

Wednesday Bible Study

A Close Reading of Genesis

The Group meets at 6:00 pm for a potluck dinner.

The Bible Study begins at 6:30 pm and ends at 8:30 pm.

 

Toiletries for Urban Ministry

We are collecting toiletries for Urban Ministry

Please bring item and place them in the

basket in the narthex.

 

Pastor Stephen’s Blog

Pastor Stephen is again posting to his blog

http://pastorstephen.blogspot.com/

It includes recent sermons, Wednesday Bible Study notes

and HOPI-VIM updates.

 

2013 Worship Attendance Goal

Our Worship Attendance Goal for 2013 is 92.

Our average worship attendance through June 23^rd is 79.97.

 

Altar Flowers

Please sign-up to supply altar flowers.

Flowers can be used to mark any significant occasion

including birthdays, anniversaries, and memorials.

Altar flowers are $22.00 per vase and

payment is due when you request flowers.

 

Urban Ministry Update

The Urban Ministry Group is now leading Worship Services

on the Third Sunday of every month at

House of Peace

meeting at 3^rd Street Church of God in Washington, D.C.

As part of our ministry, we provide lunch and

offer hats, gloves, and coats for those in need.

We are accepting cash donations to offset the cost of this ministry.

Contact Pastor Stephen or Mi Ja for more details.

The Group will meet on Saturday, August 17^th at 9:30 am

to plan and prepare for our next trip into D.C. on August 18^th.

 

Giant Food Cash For Causes

Providence-Fort Washington has enrolled in the

Giant Food Cash For Causes Program

 

This program allows us to purchase

Giant Gift Cards at a 5% discount and then resell them for face value.

The 5% difference is then put in our General Operating Fund.

The difference between our cost and your purchase price

is also credited on your annual giving statement.

 

Pastor Stephen has some cards available for purchase

and you can order cards to be delivered next week.

The cards have no expiration date and can be used for anything Giant sells.

Please see Pastor Stephen to purchase cards or if you have any questions.

 

Charting Our Course

The Vision Committee has completed a “first sort” of all the suggestions received

and is distributing them to various groups within the church for their comments.

They expect to make recommendations for implementation of ideas soon.

We are still interested in your ideas on how to move our church forward.

 

Collection of Stamps and Labels

Don’t forget to continue collecting stamps to be used by veterans

In the Stamps for the Wounded program.  We also need box and

can labels (bar codes) for the Board of Child Care Auxiliary who

serves families in the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

 

Thank you!

Donna D., Secretary, P-FW United Methodist Women

 

Aluminum Can Recycling

We are collecting and recycling aluminum cans.

Please bring your aluminum cans in

and we will sell them to the recycling center.

 

Do you have something to add?

Do you have an announcement that need to get out to everyone in the church?

If so, please e-mail it to me (srricketts@verizon.net) and I will include it in the next

This Week at Providence-Fort Washington.

 

Blessings,

Pastor Stephen