This Sunday continues a schedule of sermons and scripture readings known as the Narrative Lectionary. The Narrative lectionary is a four-year cycle of scripture readings following the larger sweep of the biblical story, from Creation through the early Christian church. The portions of scripture include major episodes in which we are able to see God's salvation as a story that has coherence and a dynamic movement from the beginnings of the Old Testament all the way through the Pentecost movement in the New Testament and beyond. We are glad to have you join us as we learn more about our own story within this larger story of God's people!
Genesis 15:1-6 (The Voice)
Some time passed. One day, the word of the Eternal One came to Abram through a vision--a kind of waking dream. Do not be afraid, Abram. I am always your shield and protector. Your reward for loyalty and trust will be immense. Eternal Lord, what could You possibly give to me that would make that much of a difference in my life? After all, I am still childless, and Eliezer of Damascus stands to inherit all I own. Since You have not given me the gift of children, my only heir will be one of the servants born in my household. Immediately the word of the Eternal One came to him. No, Abram, this man will not be your heir. No one but your very own child will be an heir for you. God took him outside to show him something. Look up at the stars, and try to count them all if you can. There are too many to count! Your descendants will be as many as the stars. Abram believed God and trusted in His promises, so God counted it to his favor as righteousness.
Some time passed. One day, the word of the Eternal One came to Abram through a vision--a kind of waking dream. Do not be afraid, Abram. I am always your shield and protector. Your reward for loyalty and trust will be immense. Eternal Lord, what could You possibly give to me that would make that much of a difference in my life? After all, I am still childless, and Eliezer of Damascus stands to inherit all I own. Since You have not given me the gift of children, my only heir will be one of the servants born in my household. Immediately the word of the Eternal One came to him. No, Abram, this man will not be your heir. No one but your very own child will be an heir for you. God took him outside to show him something. Look up at the stars, and try to count them all if you can. There are too many to count! Your descendants will be as many as the stars. Abram believed God and trusted in His promises, so God counted it to his favor as righteousness.
