June 29, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for June 28th: Genesis 22:1-14, Psalm 13, Romans 6:12-23. Matthew 10”40-42 Theme: What would you sacrifice for God? Genesis: It is interesting that we are once again asked to make the best of a bad situation. To look at a story about a father being willing to kill his son, and to ask what can we learn from this situation. Killing someone is killing someone. Being willing to kill your son is even worse. Would God really tell Abraham such a thing? This is a fundamental story of our faith. It teaches us that God always provides. We should always be on the look out for our “ram in the bush”. God is the source of all of our gifts. Even the bible says, the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. If our gifts belong to God, will God take them away from us. And how are we supposed to react to losing what God gave us. How does this foster trust and obedience to God? Matthew: This is the last part of Jesus message to the disciples to be willing to go out into the world and recruit people to your cause. Jesus encourages them by telling them that they shall receive the reward of a prophet. A reward, that seems like a positive thing. But what is the reward of prophet? That reward is hatefulness, spite, punishment, resentment, accusations and mistrust of what you say. How is a prophet’s reward a good thing. Jesus words have been preparing them to learn endurance. If they can endure all of that, then they will get a prophet’s reward. A special place in heaven. Jesus will welcome them with open arms for doing the right thing. In the end, people may not admit but they do take the prophet’s words to heart and eventually change their behavior. Questions: What does the familiar story in Genesis teach you about obedience to God? Do you agree with that teaching or not? When have you been a prophet of God to others? How did they receive your teaching? When have you had to endure as a Christian? You can view Breaking Open the Scripture online at https://breakingopenthescriptures.blogspot.comYou can view Pastor Harriette’s sermons online at https://aplaceforshalom.blogspot.com