The biblical story of Joseph is an example of God bringing salvation to the very ones who sought to put an end to the life of the one through whom deliverance would come. In Joseph’s case, his brothers sought to end Joseph’s dreams by selling him into slavery. Yet, God used this very act, calculated to end a dream, as the means of fulfilling the dream. In the process a series of providential events began that would place Joseph in political power and in position to bring salvation to his brother’s severe hunger from the famine. Yet, this is God’s way – for when an angry Jewish crowd cried “crucify” – this evil act was the means of the salvation of many Jews (along with many Gentiles). God’s plans are unstoppable. Yet, in His kindness His plans are also full of mercy and grace. We are to praise God for His mighty acts today and every day. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: Genesis 37-50.
Jacob is both a patriarch of the faith and an example of human fallenness. Jacob spent many years seeking to do things his own way, from bargaining for the birthright to stealing his blessing, and this is just the beginning. In all this we see that Jacob is blessed in spite of his sinfulness. From this we take the encouragement that truly, we all are blessed in spite of our sin. The only sinless man was Jesus Christ. It is in the righteousness of Christ alone that we hope. In Jacob we also see growth and good example. When Jacob wrestled with a man (later undestood to be God) he clung on tight, determined that he would be truly blessed in no other way than by God. May we all cling to Christ, and be convinced that we are not blessed in life in any eternally significant way apart from the blessing that only comes through Jesus Christ. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: Genesis 25-32.
Abraham was commanded by God to offer his son, the son he loved, as a burnt offering to God. Abraham proceeded to obey God’s command by taking Isaac to the mountain God appointed. Yet, just as Abraham was about to slay his beloved son, God intervened. God provided a substitute for Isaac. In this case it was a ram. Isaac was not a worthy sacrifice to God from Abraham because he was sinful. Even the ram would not satisfy God in the end. The only worthy substitute and sacrifice was God’s own Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus came as the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world. Only those who see that they have no worthy sacrifice to offer, and by faith trust in the offering provided by God in Christ will have their sins cleansed and have peace with God. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: Genesis 22.Â