The following are sermon notes I took this morning at Stonebrook Church. Brad Barrett is continuing our series on Genesis. You will eventually be able to download the sermon audio on the Stonebrook site.
I found this message EXTREMELY refreshing. A far cry from simplistic, methodistic, rule-based application of dos and do-nots, Brad masterfully called us to see God’s sovereignty in redemption, calling us to trust in his working in our lives, and not fret over our lack of conformity to The Law.
At least, that’s what I took away. A brilliant introduction to The Lord’s Supper. Thanks for speaking faithfully, Brad.
Genesis: 25:22-29 Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Esau
- the older shall serve the younger
- two nations are in your womb
Esau – hairy, hunter, “man’s man”
Jacob – cheater and mama’s boy.
Esau sells Jacob his birthright for a bowl of soup.
Genesis 27
Jacob is acting out of complete selfishness. No evidence of faith in this man at all. “The Lord YOUR god granted me success…”
Seems a bit strange that (at face value) God’s blessing can be stolen by deceit.
Does God condone this sort of behavior, or was he powerless to stop it, right the wrong, or reverse the blessing?
Also note the power and permanence of a father’s blessing…
(remimds me of Romans 11:29: the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.)
The human part of this story is despicable. Utter faithlessness and deception. Yet (in coming chapters) God inserts himself into the situation, redeems it, and brings himself glory in spite of it. God is not pleased with or honored by the sin in this situation.
Thank God that it does not depend on our faithfulness, righteousness, performance, track record of successful commitment, to recieve the benefits of God. It depends on the sovereign working of God (through the holy spirit) in redemption.
- Genesis 50:20
- Hebrews 7:25
- Hebrews 10:17
February 2, 2009
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