“‘Wilderness’ is a place, in biblical rhetoric, where there are no viable life support systems. ‘Grace’ is the occupying generosity of God that redefines the place.”
—Walter Brueggemann, Journey to the Common Good
God's Providential Care (Genesis 24)
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. …
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
—Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11
God is Faithful to Sustain His Mission (Genesis 50:15-21, Exodus 1:6-7)
“Neither the nature of any created thing, therefore, nor the weakness of the flesh, can prevail against the will of God. For God is not subject to created things, but created things to God; and all things yield obedience to His will.”
—Irenaeus
Due to technical issues, Seven Hills Presbyterian Church shared a copy of their recording for this sermon.
On Offer (John 7:37-39)
Seeing & Provision (1 Samuel 16:1-13)
“The Scripture stories do not, like Homer’s, court our favor, they do not flatter us that they may please us and enchant us - they seek to subject us, and if we refuse to be subjected we are rebels.”
— Erich Auerbach
“In the self-assured world of modernity people seek to make sense of the Scriptures, instead of hoping, with the aid of the Scriptures, to make some sense of themselves.”
— Nicholas Lash