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The Book
Friday, November 30, 2007
Next Class: Dec 2nd, 6:15pm
Reading: none
Before our transition to the book of Exodus, we take a small departure to review what we've read, and sneak a peek from the New Testament. The patriarchs Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph have given us models for various personal journeys. But what is the bigger picture here? This week we'll look at Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount and learn how the stories of the ancient Hebrews are echoed in the words of Jesus, and still inform us today.
As we finish out Genesis (chapters 37 through 50), we encounter the story of Joseph. This is a critical story in setting the stage for the birth of the Israelite people in Egypt. The Genesis narritive shifts gears and introduces us to the larger group of people that become the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Equally important though, is the story of the man Joseph. Unlike his forefathers Abraham and Jacob, Joseph's pivotal event is at the very beginning of his story. Just as his father Jacob started with the experience and perspective of Abraham, Joseph starts with a profound understanding of God's presence in his life and a desire to seek God's will in his life. Despite being cast out by his own family and thrown into servitude and eventually prison, Joseph lives his life seeking God's will in every moment. It is his commitment to this one goal that allows God to bless him and those around him. Recalling Gen 12:1-3, there is a clear parallel that can be drawn in this calling and blessing from God that echos from Abraham to Joseph, and Joseph models acting in unity with God's will.
In Genesis 23 through 36, we followed the story of Jacob and his great transformation. His Grandfather, Abraham, travels a journey of learning how God is present in his life. But where Abraham spends his life slowly learning this lesson, Jacob starts his journey already aware of God's presence. Jacob's journey is one of learning to surrender to God's will. It isn't until the pivotal wrestling match with God that Jacob finally surrenders (although not initially). This event is a powerful analogical statement for all of us. Jacob doesn't turn away from God. Jacob desires God's blessing. Jacob opens his heart to transformation and surrender. The results are astounding. Jacob heads to meet his brother expecting anger, but receives love. It is this journey from pursuing one's own will, to surrendering to God's will that is taught in this story of the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Sorry for the lack of updates recently. I've been extremely busy with the holidays. Normally I'd give a proper update but I wanted to get a calendar update on here while I had a chance. We're off this Sunday due to Thanksgiving.
Next classes:
* Dec 2nd, no reading necessary
* Dec 9th, Exodus 1-18
* Dec 16th, Exodus 19-20
[long break... I'll be in Canada]
* Jan 13th, Leviticus and Numbers
I'll refine these readings as the classes get closer, and will post summaries from the previous classes and previews of the upcoming classes.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Next class: Sunday, Nov 11th
Reading: Gen 23-36 (first read Gen 32:22-32)
Just as Abraham undergoes a transformation, so does his grandson Jacob undergo a transformation. This time we encounter a man who is already firmly rooted in a faith in God, but is challenged to grow beyond his narrow vision of how things should be, into an understand of God's will for his life. As you read through this section, notice how Jacob's behavior changes before and after the pivotal "wrestling match" with God. Even the way that God interacts with Jacob changes.
In Genesis 12-22, we explored the story of Abraham and the transformation of his heart by being in relationship with God. Gen 17:5 forms a pivotal point for Abraham. In addition to the name change given to him, it marks a change in how he responds to the events surrounding him. Prior to the turning point, Abraham commonly responds out of fear, avoiding conflict through clever scheming or by outright deferral to other's decisions. After his transformation, Abraham begins to respond out of love. He seeks relationships with others, takes responsibility for his actions, and attempts to honor his responsibilities to others. This transformation is brought about by being in relationship with God, and being witness to God keeping the promises He makes.
In addition, we briefly discussed the Chiastic structure of Abraham. Below is an outline of that structure:
A: Gen 12:1-3 - Call of the Lord
B: Gen 12:4-9 - Abram enters the land (Covenant confirmed)
C: Gen: 12:10-20 - Abraham lies to Pharoah
D: Gen 13 - Lot
E: Gen 14 - Abram rescues Lot
F: Gen 15 - Covenant made
X: Gen 16 - Hagar
F': Gen 17-18:15 - Covenant made
E': Gen 18:16-33 - Abram rescues Sodom
D': Gen 19 - Lot
C': Gen 20 - Abraham lies to Abimelech
B': Gen 21 - Birth of Isaac (Covenant confirmed)
A': Gen 22 - Call of the Lord confirmed
Archive:
04/01/2005 - 05/01/2005
10/01/2007 - 11/01/2007
11/01/2007 - 12/01/2007
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