Old Testament

  • Corcoran Collection (The Evans-Tibbs Collection, Gift of Thurlow Evans Tibbs, Jr.)

    God’s Promise Fulfilled: The Good Shepherd in Ezekiel 34

    November 16, 2025

    Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 (NRSV): 
    11 For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. 12 As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land.  14 I will feed them with good pastures, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. 16 I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice. 

    20 Therefore, thus says the Lord God to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21 Because you pushed with flank and shoulder; and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide, 22 I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. 23 I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. 24 And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken. 

    The number of “I will” statements in the Ezekiel 34 scripture inspires today’s message. In this passage alone, the Lord says “I will” at least 15 times, which leaves us with the impression that God makes promises and is willing to act on those promises.  At this current time, we are in the middle of the Thanksgiving season, with Christmas and Advent just around the corner. And with this, we are drawing close to the end of another year, which leaves many of us wondering what the next year will bring. 

    Returning to the Biblical text, these words come to us from the prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel lived during one of the darkest chapters in Israel’s history, the Babylonian exile, around 593 B.C. He was among the first group of captives taken from Jerusalem to Babylon after King Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion in 597 B.C. Ezekiel and many others settled near the Chebar Canal, a network of irrigation channels near Babylonia. Life in exile was not the brutal imprisonment we might imagine; the people had homes, fields, and even opportunities to work and prosper. They were far from free, but they were allowed to live, to build, and to worship God as best they could in a foreign land.

    Ezekiel carried God’s truth to the people who had lost nearly everything. They had lost their land, their temple, their hope. He ministered among the exiles who struggled to understand why God had allowed such devastation, reminding them that even in Babylon, God was still present. History tells us that Babylon was a city of splendor, filled with temples, palaces, and idols. Ezekiel had seen its wealth and power firsthand, yet he also saw how empty it was compared to the glory of God.

    While Ezekiel lived comfortably and had a measure of stability, his heart and ministry were not concerned with material life. His mission was spiritual: to proclaim that God’s presence was not confined to Jerusalem, and that His desire was to restore His people, to cleanse their hearts, and to renew His covenant with them. Even in exile, Ezekiel called his people to remember who they were and to trust that God had not abandoned them, but was preparing them for renewal.

    In today’s scripture, we see a picture of God being the True Shepherd. Bernhard Anderson, an Old Testament scholar, states, “Yahweh is the God Shepherd who goes out to seek for sheep that are lost, crippled, or strayed, in order to restore them to their home pasture.” 

    Ezekiel 34:11 states: 

    For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.” Again, the I Will statements are made to indicate how far God is willing to go and all that God is willing to do. An interesting observation about the I Will Statements is that there is no direct word-for-word translation from the ancient Hebrew (as the Old Testament was written in Hebrew). Instead, there is a Hebrew word given for each phrase, for example, “I will search” or “I will rescue” is stated with one word, ‘er’eh, which means “I will shepherd.” God merely begins to say ‘I will” meaning he is determined to do so. Then, according to a list of Hebrew words, there is a list of what God will do: 

    1. I will require
    2. I will search
    3. I will rescue
    4. I will lead
    5. I will gather
    6. I will shepherd
    7. I will seek
    8. I will bring back
    9. I will bind up
    10. I will strengthen
    11. I will destroy
    12. I will judge
    13. I will save
    14. I will establish
    15. I will be

    God could have also added, “I will be very busy!” For again, with everything it says God will do, God will do it for these people. Therefore, I have to believe that this must have been a hope-filled message to the original hearers. But, there’s more! 

    There is a Messianic prophecy. While God states he intends to do this all Himself, toward the end of the text, he says: 

    23 I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. 24 And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken. 

    It’s important to note that God doesn’t plan on resurrecting King David. King David reigned roughly from 1010 to 970 B.C.

    During David’s reign, Israel was united as one kingdom. King David was at least 400 years prior to this message from Ezekiel and King David had established Jerusalem as the capital, brought the Ark of the Covenant there, and made worship central to national life. By Ezekiel’s time, the unified kingdom David had established was long gone. Jerusalem, the city David had made the heart of Israel’s faith, was in ruins. The temple Solomon (King David’s son) had built was destroyed. So, God isn’t actually referring to King David directly in this text. Instead, he is talking to the descendants of David. The gospels of Matthew and Luke record taht Jesus was born a descendant of David. So, quite naturally, Jesus comes along (maybe 600 years later but it still aligns directly with what’s been prophesied about Christ), and said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NRSV). Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the one who would care for the sheep. 

    What do we learn from this message today? 

    Jesus is the good shepherd, the one and true shepherd who genuinely cares for his people today. Just like in Ezekiel’s time, and then just like Jesus’ time, we still see the same people often led astray by religious leaders. For this reason, many people may argue with us when we tell them that they need to go to church. Almost immediately, some people will boast, “I don’t want to go to church because it is filled with hypocrites.” But this line gets old. You aren’t going to find a “perfect” Christian. 

    Another way of applying this text is by seeing it through the context of the liturgical calendar. We are in the season of Thanksgiving and nearing the end of the liturgical year. It is appropriate to begin looking at Messianic prophesies because they reveal to us what God has done in history to prepare for the coming of His Son into the world. Year after year we start to see our world become more absorbed in the commercialized idea of Christmas. The problem I see is that the season of Christmas isn’t long enough for people to fully rasp its real meaning. For many people, Christmas begins when they put up their outdoor lights or when they buy their Christmas tree. Christmas begins when Walmart starts putting up the holiday bundles, candy, and decorations. Christmas is definitely long enough for the corporate businesses that are profiting off the holiday. 

    But the spirituality of Christmas, we have to recognize that we are celebrating not just a child placed in a manger but we are celebrating Advent, the season that works its way up to the meaning of Christmas. So, maybe we are starting off early since Thanksgiving isn’t for a few more weeks, but let us understand that Thanksgiving is not so much a religious holiday. There is no biblical foundation for celebrating Thanksgiving Day. The Bible tells us to be thankful to God (Psalm 100), but for Christians, this is a reminder to be thankful, express gratitude, to be glad that we have a God who is willing to do so much for us. 

    The “I Will” Statement reveals more than just a promise that God made to Ancient Israel. God promised that He would give them a shepherd. Jesus came into the world as the Good Shepherd. He came to seek and to save the lost, and he’s still doing it. Let’s prepare our hearts for thanksgiving, giving thanks to God for all that He has done for us. And, as we prepare for Thanksgiving and the holiday rush, let us begin our spiritual preparation, rejoicing because the wonderful season of Advent will begin and Christmas is filled with such a wonder, that we do not want to miss any of it. 

    Adapted from “I Will…” by Rev. Dennis Alan RobertsFulbright, M.Div (November 21, 1999 – Paradise, CA)   

  • A Lifestyle of Thanksgiving | Deuteronomy 26:1–11 Sermon on Gratitude and Giving

    November 9, 2025 
    Deuteronomy 26:1-11 1 "When you arrive in the land of the LORD your God is giving you as a special possession and you have conquered it and settled there, 2 put some of the first produce from each harvest into a basket and bring it to the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored. 3 Go to the priest in charge at that time and say to him, 'with this gift I acknowledge that the LORD your GOd has brought me into the land he swore to give our ancestors.' 4 The priest will then take the basket from your hand and set it before the altar of the LORD your God. 5 You must then say in the presence of the LORD your God, 'my ancestor Jacob was a wandering Aramean who went to live in Egypt. His family was few in number, but in Egypt they became a mighty and numerous nation. 6 When the Egyptians mistreated and humiliated us by making us their slaves, 7 we cried out to the LORD, the GOd of our ancestors. He heard us and saw our hardship, toil, and oppression. 8 So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with amazing power, overwhelming terror, and miraculous signs and wonders. 9 He brought us to this place and gave us this land flowing with milk and honey! 10 And now, our LORD, I have brought you a token of the first crops you have given me from the ground.' Then place the produce before the LORD your God and worship him. 11 Afterward go and celebrate because of all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household. Remember to include the Levites and the foreigners living among you in the celebration. 

    This passage from Deuteronomy describes the Israelites’ entry into the Promised Land as they took possession of the land they were permitted to farm. Once the crops were harvested, the Israelites were required to take some of the “first produce” (NLT) or “firstfruits” (NIV) and present it to the Lord in a worshipful ceremony. This ceremony consisted of a public acknowledgment, made to God, for all He had done for them. This wasn’t meant to be a small ‘thank you” for how does one offer a simple “thank you” to God who had provided so much. 

    This event has been repeated again and again, as men and women have entered new countries. As one has a consciousness of a higher power in existence, one realizes that God has done so much for humanity through many generations. And, for the most part, it is a tradition to say “thanks” to God for what he has done. 

    But, how does one express thankfulness? 

    In today’s fast-paced society, we fail miserably at saying “thank you” to people who deserve to be thanked. For some of us, we genuinely are thankful and know we need to express our gratitude, but time gets away from us, and before we know it, we believe too much time has passed, and our expression of thanks is too late. 

    Many of us have experienced this from both sides. We might have received something and failed to show gratitude for it. Or, we may have done something for someone or given them something, only to sit back and wait for those two simple words that will never come. We know that as each day passes, the hurt gouges deeper, and we realize that our awaited “thank you” has fallen into the sea of forgetfulness. Unfortunately for many, these feelings turn into bitterness as we promise to never do anything for that person again or never do or give again. 

    In our American culture, we have a designated holiday, Thanksgiving, for which we express our gratitude. Yet, even with one day set aside, we still manage to get caught up in the commercialized fog between Halloween and Christmas with the voice of Halloween hollering, “Give me treats!” and the voice of Christmas yelling, “Give me presents!” It’s easier to ignore the quiet voice of Thanksgiving as it reminds us to “give thanks.” Especially since big corporations can’t easily capitalize on and commercialize it. 

    What does it take to be thankful? 

    For Israel, it certainly could not be captured in one moment. There were no big screens blasting a casual “thank you God” commercial. No, for the Israelites, it was more about the lifestyle of thanksgiving. It was a tradition of giving thanks to God. It was part of their every day acts of faith that they would do over and over, say again and again, and out of this rich tradition, they would compose their words of thanks: 

    Psalm 107:1-9 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! 
    His faithful love endures forever. 
    2 Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! 
    Tell others he has saved you from your enemies. 
    3 For he has gathered the exiles from many lands, 
    from east and west, from north and south. 
    4 Some wandered in the desert, 
    lost and homeless. 
    5 Hungry and thirsty, 
    they nearly died. 
    6 "LORD, help! they cried in their trouble,
    and he rescued them from their distress. 
    7 He led them straight to safety, 
    to a city where they could live. 
    8 Let them praise the LORD for his great love
    and for all his wonderful deeds to them. 
    9 For he satisfies the thirsty
    and fills the hungry with good things. 

    What should be our praxis? (Praxis = Established Custom)

    The gospel of John describes Jesus as very blunt. At one point, Jesus turned to the crowd and directly said, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” (John 6:26, NIV). The basic principle here is this…If you want good church attendance, offer a meal afterward. If you want to attract young people, have a pizza party!

    All jokes aside, Jesus most certainly pointed out that He had a following of people who liked to eat. Furthermore, it may have been customary for great prophets to feed their people. Remember, when God fed Moses’ people in the wilderness (Exodus 16)? 

    But, Jesus pointed out (regarding Moses), “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” (John 6:32-33, NIV). 

    Again, we are reminded to thank God. 

    We turn back to the concept of Thanksgiving with this question: Do we only celebrate Thanksgiving because of the food? Not necessarily!

    Thanksgiving is THANKS
    followed by GIVING. 

    It really has little to do with a day for gluttony and more to do with a way of life. We receive from God, we give back to God. We receive again, we give again. We are thankful, and therefore we express our thankfulness by giving to others who are less fortunate or who are in need. Thanksgiving; thanks followed by giving is a wonderful opportunity. One can look up to heaven, offering up a heartfelt expression of thanks to God. We can realize and recognize God as the ultimate provider. We can give because we are blessed, and therefore, we are truly thankful. In this state of thankfulness, one truly receives the fullness of God’s blessings. Let us give thanks to God, continually! 

    Amen! 

  • God Will Bring You Out of This Land: Trusting God’s Promises in Uncertain Times

    August 10, 2025

    At the end of Genesis, Joseph was nearing the end of his life. At 110 years old, he gathered his family and declared:

    “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”

    Joseph’s words were more than a farewell—they were a prophecy. He didn’t know exactly how God would do it or how long it would take, but he was certain that God would keep His promise. Four centuries later, God did just that, raising up Moses to lead His people out of Egypt and into freedom.

    Joseph had enjoyed Egypt’s comforts. As Pharaoh’s second-in-command, he had saved the nation from famine and brought his family to safety. But Egypt was never the final destination. Before he died, Joseph made his family swear to carry his bones back to the promised land. His eyes were fixed not on Egypt’s riches, but on God’s covenant.

    Joseph Interpreting the Dreams of Pharaoh Attributed to Jörg Breu the Younger German ca. 1534–47

    That long wait between Joseph’s death and the Exodus may have seemed like silence. Generations were born and died; blessings gave way to oppression. Many probably doubted it would ever happen. Yet God’s timing was perfect—He was preparing both His people and their deliverance.

    We, too, live in a world that can feel like Egypt. Political unrest, economic hardship, and personal struggles can make us long for something better. Some people are searching for a dream—whether a new home, a better job, or a safer place to live. Others are simply holding on through hard times. But Joseph’s story reminds us that God has prepared something far greater than anything we could find here.

    Jesus said:

    “Let not your heart be troubled… In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go… I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1–3)

    Just as God brought Israel out of Egypt, He will one day bring His people into the home He has promised. Whether that day comes for us individually or at Christ’s return, we can be certain—God will keep His word.

    “God Will Bring You Out of of This Land.” Rev. Dennis Alan RobertsFulbright, Shubert Christian Church, July 24, 2024.

  • The Shepherd and the Stone: Jacob’s Prophetic Blessing Over Joseph (Genesis 49)

    August 3, 2025 
    Genesis 49:1-2 (KJV): 1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. 2 Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.

    Genesis 49 opens with a poignant moment: Jacob, nearing death, gathers his twelve sons to speak over them. What follows is not just farewell, but prophecy. He says, “Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days” (Genesis 49:1, NKJV). While modern readers may interpret the phrase “the last days” as a reference to the end times, Jacob’s words are best understood as prophetic insight into the future of his sons and their descendants.

    One of the most significant and detailed blessings is reserved for Joseph. It spans 61 Hebrew words—more than any other son receives. Jacob not only recounts Joseph’s hardships, but testifies to the sustaining power of God throughout his life.

    Three Sheep Samuel Howitt British 1801

    Joseph’s Story, God’s Strength

    Joseph is described as “a fruitful bough by a well,” a life that thrives even under harsh conditions. Though “the archers have bitterly grieved him,” Joseph’s “bow remained in strength” (Genesis 49:23–24). Why? Because, Jacob says, his strength was “by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob.”

    This blessing is rich with divine titles:

    • The Mighty God of Jacob
    • The God of your father
    • The Almighty
    • The Shepherd
    • The Stone of Israel

    Each title tells us something about God’s character. Jacob knew this God personally, and so did Joseph. Even after betrayal, slavery, false accusation, and years in prison, Joseph never wavered in faith. His blessing becomes a powerful testament to endurance rooted in trust in God.

    Among these divine names is “The Shepherd.” In ancient times, shepherds were often seen as lowly or unclean. Yet, when Jesus Christ entered the world, the birth announcement went first to shepherds in the field. Why? Because God identifies with the humble—and because He Himself is the Divine Shepherd.

    Scripture repeatedly calls out unfaithful shepherds (pastors and spiritual leaders) who neglect their flocks. In Ezekiel 34:6–10, God promises to hold these leaders accountable for the suffering of His people. Today, there are still pastors who distort the Gospel—preaching secular ideologies, affirming sin, and abandoning the truth of salvation through Christ. God’s judgment on unfaithful shepherds remains clear.

    In contrast, Jesus said:

    “I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep, and they know me… I sacrifice my life for the sheep.”
    —John 10:14–15 (NLT)

    Jesus lived as the True Shepherd. Though hated by the powerful and misunderstood by many, He loved His flock, cared for the broken, and laid down His life. Christians today can take heart: if our Shepherd suffered rejection, we can endure hardship too. He walks with us still.

    God, Our Rock

    Jacob also describes God as “the Stone of Israel.” In Scripture, God is often compared to a rock—a source of stability, protection, and permanence.

    “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer… my stronghold.”
    —Psalm 18:2 (NKJV)

    Isaiah prophesied about a “precious cornerstone” that would become the foundation of God’s people (Isaiah 28:16). Jesus later revealed that this cornerstone was Himself.

    “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”
    —Matthew 21:42 (NKJV)

    The Apostle Paul echoed this truth in Ephesians 2, writing that believers are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, “Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20)

    The “Stone of Israel” Jacob spoke of was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. He is our Cornerstone, our Rock, our unshakable foundation.

    Roman Landscape with a Shepherd and Sheep Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (Il Grechetto) Italian late 1640s

    Jacob’s blessing over Joseph was not just a family moment—it was a declaration of who God is. These names—Shepherd, Stone, Almighty—remind us of the attributes of God we can cling to today.

    Just as Joseph endured betrayal, hardship, and injustice yet held firm to faith, we too can be strengthened by the Mighty God. His blessings reach beyond generations: “the blessings of your father have excelled the blessings of my ancestors… they shall be on the head of Joseph” (Genesis 49:26).

    And because of Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, we are no longer strangers, but members of God’s household. We are heirs of the same promise. Our spiritual lives can be built on a true, lasting foundation.

    Let us praise God—for being our Shepherd, our Stone, our Rock, and our Redeemer.

    “The Shephard, the stone of Israel.” Rev. Dennis Alan RobertsFulbright, Shubert, NE, July 28, 2024

  • When the Money Failed: Biblical Wisdom for Financial Crisis from Genesis 47

    July 27, 2025

    Today, I invite you to open your hearts to a passage from Genesis that speaks to us in a deeply relevant way. As we continue navigating a world filled with financial anxiety, inflation, and uncertainty, let us listen carefully to a time in Scripture when people, too, found themselves asking: What do we do when there’s just not enough to go around? Let us turn now to Genesis 47:13–21 (NKJV), and hear the Word of the Lord.

    Genesis 47:13–21 (NKJV)

    13 Now there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine.
    14 And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought; and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house.
    15 So when the money failed in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For the money has failed.”
    16 Then Joseph said, “Give your livestock, and I will give you bread for your livestock, if the money is gone.”
    17 So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, the flocks, the cattle of the herds, and for the donkeys. Thus he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock that year.
    18 When that year had ended, they came to him the next year and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord that our money is gone; my lord also has our herds of livestock. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our lands.
    19 Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants of Pharaoh; give us seed, that we may live and not die, that the land may not be desolate.”
    20 Then Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe upon them. So the land became Pharaoh’s.
    21 And as for the people, he moved them into the cities, from one end of the borders of Egypt to the other end.

    We live in difficult economic times. Gas prices fluctuate, grocery bills rise, and many are struggling to make ends meet. As of today (July 20, 2024), we’re just months away from another presidential election, and one of the leading concerns among voters is—again—the economy. It’s a familiar concern. People are worried. Not just about jobs, but about justice. Not just about wages, but about worth.

    Some believe the answer lies in redistribution—giving everyone an “equal share.” That idea fuels certain progressive voices, and even versions of Christianity that preach a “social gospel” rooted in liberation theology. Now, caring for the poor is indeed a Christian calling, but some versions of this theology go further—suggesting that real Christianity means becoming poor, like Mother Teresa, to prove our faith. But friends, even Jesus Himself said:

    Matthew 26:11 (NKJV)
    “For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

    In that moment, Jesus was reminding His disciples—and us—that poverty is a persistent reality in a fallen world. And while we are called to care for the poor, we must also face the hard truth: there is not enough money to go around.

    We worry about money because it touches everything. And yet, we must ask: Where is our faith when the money fails?

    Let’s go back to Genesis 47:15. It says:

    “So when the money failed in the land of Egypt... the people said, ‘Give us bread, for why should we die? For the money has failed.’”

    Four times in this passage we hear it: The money is gone. Failed. Empty. Powerless to solve the problem.

    When the people’s money failed, Joseph offered them options—first, trade your livestock. Later, your land. Finally, even your labor. Pharaoh ended up owning nearly everything. The people became dependent servants—just to survive.

    Now imagine a scenario in our own day: A government overtaxes landowners. Farmers, unable to pay, are forced to sell. Slowly, the government absorbs more land, more control. That’s not far-fetched. It happened then—it could happen now.

    And while Joseph was a godly man, he was also acting under Pharaoh’s authority. He didn’t enslave the people against their will—they came to him, desperate. As John Lange writes:

    “When one is hungry, they might do just about anything in order to feed their belly.”

    Indeed, we will trade almost anything—our independence, our resources, even our freedom—when we are desperate.

    Jesus’ Teaching on Treasure and Trust

    But Jesus offers us a radically different path. Not one of fear, but faith.

    Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV)
    “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

    Matthew 6:24 (ESV)
    “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money.”

    Matthew 6:30–33 (ESV)
    “…O you of little faith… your heavenly Father knows that you need [these things]. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

    Friends, the money will fail. The stock market will crash. Governments will rise and fall. But God is still in control. If our hope is in money, our hearts will be anxious. But if our hope is in God, we will find peace.

    The people of Egypt didn’t need more coins—they needed deliverance. Eventually, Egypt would become a place of slavery for Israel, and God would send Moses to set them free. Egypt had gods and goddesses, but only the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob could truly provide.

    And today, many still bow to modern idols—wealth, power, fame—but the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ, says: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

    We do not need a full bank account to get into heaven. We need a faithful heart, trusting in God’s mercy and grace.

    “When the Money Failed” Sermon by Rev. Dennis Alan RobertsFulbright, Shubert, NE July 20, 2024.

  • I Am Joseph: How God Uses Betrayal to Fulfill His Purpose

    July 20, 2025

    Preaching the Word: Genesis 45:1–9 (NKJV)

    45 Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it.
    3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. 4 And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
    9 “Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph: “God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry.

    Genesis 45 marks a turning point in one of the most moving stories in the Bible. Joseph—sold into slavery by his brothers, wrongfully imprisoned, and later elevated to a position of power—can no longer restrain his emotions. He reveals himself:
    “I am Joseph.”
    Three words. A bold declaration. And a moment of complete transformation.

    His brothers, overwhelmed with guilt and fear, are stunned into silence. Joseph, once cast off and left for dead, now holds their lives in his hands. And instead of revenge, he offers grace.

    From Accusation to Redemption

    Joseph doesn’t sugarcoat the past. He says plainly:
    “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.”
    There’s no hiding from the truth. But then comes the unexpected:
    “Do not be grieved or angry with yourselves… for God sent me before you to preserve life.”

    Joseph had every right to retaliate. His power could have crushed them. But instead, his words and actions reflect divine purpose. He chooses to see God’s hand working through human wrongdoing to bring about salvation—not just for himself, but for many.

    This kind of proclamation reminds me of Peter’s sermon in Acts 2:

    “You have taken [Jesus] by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death…” (Acts 2:23)

    Peter doesn’t hesitate to point to guilt—but neither does he stop at accusation. He continues with the good news of resurrection and redemption. Likewise, Stephen, before being martyred in Acts 7, boldly names the sins of his people. Speaking truth, even when it stings, is part of faithful preaching.

    And yet—what matters most is not accusation, but restoration.

    The Power of Choices

    Joseph had options. He could have punished. He could have ignored. But he chose reconciliation.

    He asks, “Does my father still live?” His concern was not for revenge, but for reunion.
    He commands, “Hurry and go get my father!”

    Joseph’s longing to see his father Jacob reflects a human urgency many of us know. I remember long childhood car rides from my hometown of Springfield, Colorado to visit my grandmother in Sidney, Nebraska. Hearing, “We’re in Nebraska” made me think we were almost there—but Grammy’s house was still miles away. I couldn’t wait.

    Joseph likely felt that same eager ache. He hadn’t seen his father in decades. The journey back to Canaan would take his brothers nearly 10 days—and another 10 to return. A full month would pass before father and son would embrace again.

    I Am Joseph… But God Did It

    Maybe Joseph wanted to say to his father:
    “Remember my dreams? The ones no one believed? Look what God has done!”
    But the key is this: Joseph never takes the credit. He says clearly,

    “It was not you who sent me here, but God.” (Genesis 45:8)

    Joseph knew that it wasn’t his looks, strength, or intelligence that saved Egypt. It was God—working through his suffering and faithfulness.

    That’s what we must remember. When life brings hardship or betrayal, or when the path is long and uncertain, God is still at work.

    Life Application: Trust God’s Bigger Story

    Joseph’s story reminds us: God has a plan, even in our pain.
    There are countless young people today who give up on life far too soon—never knowing the greatness God may have intended for them. What might have happened if they had trusted God to write their story?

    Joseph’s journey—from pit to palace—was not easy. But it was purposeful.

    Like Joseph, we have options.
    Will we choose bitterness—or forgiveness?
    Revenge—or restoration?
    Fear—or faith?

    “I Am Joseph” Rev. Dennis Alan RobertsFulbright, Shubert, Nebraska, July 14, 2024

  • From Prison to Power: How Joseph Was Exalted Over All the Land in Genesis 41

    July 13, 2025 
    “So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said… ‘Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?’” (Genesis 41:37–38)

    Pharaoh, though not a worshiper of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, recognized something divine in Joseph. The Hebrew phrase used here—the Spirit of God—may have meant different things to Pharaoh. Perhaps he thought Joseph was blessed by the Egyptian gods. Ancient Egypt was a land rich with gods—over 2,000, in fact. Names like Ra, Isis, Horus, and Osiris were etched into temples and daily life.

    But in the middle of this polytheistic empire, one man stood out as marked by the Spirit of Yahweh. Pharaoh didn’t convert, but he couldn’t deny Joseph’s divine wisdom. So, Joseph was elevated—not because of charm or education—but because of God’s favor.

    An AI-generated digital art of the Egyptian god Sekhmet with his back turned as he faced toward a large pilllar or opening with hydroglyphs decorated along the pillars.
    MythologyArt. (2024). Sekhmet. Pixabay.com.

    Pharaoh gave him his signet ring—the ancient world’s symbol of authority. He dressed him in royal linen, placed a gold chain on his neck, and paraded him through the streets in a chariot, commanding everyone to bow. Joseph’s name was changed to Zaphnath-Paaneah, which some believe means “Savior of the World” or “Revealer of Secrets.” He was even given a wife—Asenath, daughter of a high priest in the pagan city of On.

    Whether Asenath accepted Joseph’s God or not, we don’t know. But we do know this: Joseph held onto his faith in the midst of power, wealth, and culture.

    “All the Land of Egypt“

    Five times this phrase appears in our passage: “all the land of Egypt.” Joseph was not just Pharaoh’s assistant—he had full authority. Verse 46 tells us, “Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.” He didn’t waste time. He got to work.

    And imagine what he saw: pyramids piercing the skyline, bustling cities, temples to sun gods, traders from Canaan, and the Nile winding its way through a wealthy, united kingdom. The Middle Kingdom era of Egypt was marked by stability, expansion, and order—everything Joseph needed to implement his God-given plan to save the region from famine.

    This must have been a mountaintop moment. Like an Olympic gold medalist. Like a newly promoted CEO with a corner office. Like a graduate earning their PhD. Like an MVP signing a multi-million-dollar contract.

    Joseph had arrived.

    But Don’t Miss the Point

    None of this was possible without God.

    Joseph’s story reminds us that even when others betray us, when the world misunderstands us, and when it seems all hope is lost—God is still working. If Joseph had stayed with his brothers, or even succeeded in Potiphar’s house, he would never have become the man who saved Egypt and surrounding nations from starvation.

    But because he kept trusting God through every trial, Joseph was exalted all over the land.

    What About Us?

    We may never ride in a chariot or rule a nation, but we can trust in the same God who elevated Joseph. We are not forgotten. Our trials are not wasted. And our faithfulness will not be ignored.

    Joseph’s story is ultimately not about his rise to power—it’s about God’s presence, provision, and purpose.

    And one day, like Joseph, we’ll stand on our mountaintop, shouting victory—not over Egypt, but over death and the grave, thanks to the One who was exalted not just over a land, but over all creation: Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.

    Sermon Title: Exalted All Over the Land | Rev. Dennis Alan RobertsFulbright | Shubert, NE June 30, 2024.

  • Falsely Accused Like Joseph? A Biblical Perspective on Injustice and Integrity (Genesis 39)

    July 6, 2025 
    “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
    —Genesis 39:21 (NKJV)

    Introduction: When the Truth Doesn’t Seem to Matter

    One of the most gripping narratives in the Old Testament is the life of Joseph. It’s a story filled with emotional highs and lows—betrayal, injustice, resilience, and, ultimately, redemption. In Genesis 39, we find Joseph in a foreign land, sold into slavery by his own brothers, and yet blessed by God in the midst of his suffering.

    Joseph was purchased by Potiphar, a high-ranking Egyptian official. Though Joseph had no impressive resume—just the dirt of travel and betrayal on his back—Potiphar saw something in him. More accurately, Potiphar recognized that “the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand” (v. 3). Joseph quickly rose to a position of great trust, becoming overseer of Potiphar’s entire household.

    But then, everything changed. Genesis 39:6-10: 

    6 Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 7 And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. 9 There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” 10 So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her.

    Scripture tells us Joseph was “handsome in form and appearance” (v. 6), and Potiphar’s wife took notice. Her daily advances were persistent and direct. “Lie with me,” she said. But Joseph refused—not only because it would betray his master’s trust, but because it would be a sin against God (v. 9).

    Her desire turned to fury when Joseph fled her final, forceful attempt. In his rush, he left his garment behind. She used it as false evidence, spinning a lie that would change Joseph’s life. Her accusation—that he tried to assault her—was believed. Joseph, though innocent, was thrown into prison.

    Source: Roundel Illustrating Episodes from the Biblical Story of Joseph, 7th century, metmuseum.org – Textiles like this one are thought to have been produced by Copts (Christian Egyptians) whose designs and motifs influenced the visual repertoire of the early Islamic period. This roundel utilizes explicitly Christian imagery—the life of Joseph, son of Jacob. The early life of Joseph appears to have been a popular source of imagery in Egypt, likely because the narrative largely takes place in that region. Roundels like this were often placed near the shoulders of a child’s garment, and the imagery here of Joseph’s childhood may have been considered as not only an appropriate choice for a child’s garment but also a protective one. (description from metmuseum.org)

    A Story That Hits Close to Home

    Have you ever been falsely accused? I have.

    As a teenager, I came home one day with my mother to find a police car in our driveway. The officer approached with a stern expression and a heavy accusation: someone had used my name to make a prank call to the fire department, reporting a plane crash at the local airport. Emergency services had rushed to the scene, only to find nothing. It appeared I was the culprit.

    Thankfully, I had an alibi—I had been at my guitar lesson during the call. Though I was cleared, I still remember the fear and helplessness I felt. What if I hadn’t been able to prove my innocence?

    Wrongful Accusations in Today’s World

    Joseph’s story is ancient, but the experience of false accusation is tragically modern. According to Prison Fellowship:

    “Since 1989, DNA testing has exonerated over 225 innocent people in the United States—some of whom had spent years behind bars. At least 123 people have been released from death row since the 1970s. Wrongful convictions not only destroy lives—they allow the guilty to go free.”

    Contributing factors include eyewitness misidentification, false confessions, and inadequate legal defense. Even today, thousands sit in prison cells for crimes they didn’t commit—just like Joseph.

    Truth and Consequences

    Potiphar believed his wife’s lie. I wonder how long it would have been before she tried the same thing again with another servant. But her slander had real consequences. And this kind of behavior—malicious lies, unfounded gossip, character assassination—remains dangerous.

    Attorney David Goguen explains it this way:

    “Libel and slander fall under defamation. Defamation is a false statement someone makes about you, which they present as fact, and which damages your reputation or causes emotional or financial harm.”

    In today’s world, even idle gossip can do deep damage. Words matter. Lies—whether whispered behind backs or shouted from platforms—have the power to wound and destroy.

    “But the Lord was with Joseph... and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (v. 21).

    Joseph’s integrity remained intact, and over time, he was given authority even in prison. Eventually, he would rise to power beside Pharaoh himself.

    Could he have done anything differently? Not likely. His only option in the face of temptation was to flee—and that was the right choice. Charles Spurgeon once wrote:

    “In contending with certain sins there remains no mode of victory but by flight… A covenant must be made with our eyes not even to look upon the cause of temptation.”

    The Lord Is With Us

    Genesis 39 is not just a tale of injustice; it’s a declaration of God’s presence. Four times we are told: “The Lord was with Joseph.” This same truth applies to us. When we gather at the communion table, we do so in remembrance of Jesus—but also with the assurance of His ongoing presence.

    He is with us.
    In trials.
    In temptations.
    In accusations.
    In prison cells.
    And around the table.

    Let us give God the praise, for He never leaves nor forsakes us. Amen.

    Falsely Accused (Genesis 39:1–23) | Originally preached by Rev. Dr. Dennis Alan RobertsFulbright
    Shubert Christian Church, June 23, 2024

    Resources:

  • When Secrets Come to Light: Reuben, Bilah, and the Cost of Sin (Genesis 35)

    June 22, 2025

    Sometimes, the Bible tells a whole story in a single verse. In Genesis 35:22, we read:
    “While Israel was living in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it.”

    Just one sentence. No added commentary. No dramatic pause. No confrontation scene. Just—Reuben, the firstborn, committed a shameful act with his father’s concubine, and somehow, Israel (Jacob) found out.

    It’s sandwiched between the grief of Rachel’s death and a list of Jacob’s sons—as if the writer didn’t quite know what to do with it. But there it is, quietly disrupting the family legacy.

    How Did Jacob Hear?

    The verse says, “Israel heard about it.” We’re left to wonder: Who told him? Did someone witness it and come forward? Was it gossip? Small towns—ancient or modern—aren’t known for keeping secrets. The text doesn’t say, and maybe that’s the point.

    Some sins are meant to be hidden. Reuben and Bilhah surely didn’t plan on sending out announcements. This was meant to stay secret—but secrets have a way of surfacing, especially when they’re rotten.

    Why Include This?

    You might ask, “Why is this even in the Bible?” Especially when the next verse moves on to list the twelve sons of Jacob, without so much as a comment. But maybe the lesson is exactly that—sin doesn’t always erupt in the moment. Sometimes, it lingers in silence, buried under the surface… until the day of reckoning comes.

    The Reckoning

    It’s not until Jacob is on his deathbed in Genesis 49 that the impact becomes clear. To Reuben, he says:

    “Reuben, you are my firstborn…
    Unstable as water, you shall not excel,
    Because you went up to your father’s bed;
    Then you defiled it…”

    No further punishment is recorded in Genesis 35. But that final word from a dying father is devastating. “You shall not excel.” It’s the undoing of a legacy Reuben might have had.

    Was It Power? Was It Revenge?

    Some scholars suggest Reuben’s act wasn’t just lust, but a power play. An attempt to assert dominance or to block Bilhah from rising in status after Rachel’s death. Was this about humiliating Bilhah, or asserting himself as next in line? Maybe both.

    Whatever the motivation, the outcome was clear: disgrace, broken trust, and lost inheritance.

    A Word for Father’s Day

    It’s fitting—if painfully so—that this passage falls near Father’s Day. It reminds us how easily the sins of one generation bleed into the next, how fragile trust can be, and how silence isn’t always golden.

    Jacob’s silence in Genesis 35 is eerie. Did he say nothing at the time? Did he wait for the right moment? Or did he simply carry it in his heart until the day he could finally speak truth?

    As fathers, sons, and families, we’re reminded that the choices we make ripple through time. And yet, even in disgrace, Reuben’s name isn’t erased. He remains part of the Twelve Tribes. The consequences are real, but grace isn’t gone.

    A Final Thought: No Verse Is Too Small

    This story—just one sentence long—is a reminder that no part of Scripture is too small or too awkward to matter. The Bible tells the truth of human lives—messy, broken, sinful, sometimes shocking. And yet, God works through it all. Nothing is wasted. Not even a footnote like Genesis 35:22.

    Let’s not read the Bible just to finish it. Let’s read it to find ourselves in it. Sometimes even in the most uncomfortable places.

    Original Title: Reuben & Bilhah, June 16, 2024 (for Father’s Day) | Shubert Christian Church Shubert, Nebraska 

  • Never Work For Your Relatives: Lessons from Genesis 30-31

    June 8, 2025

    In the summers of 1977 and 1978, I was offered a job to work for my cousin driving a combine during wheat harvest. Running two combines it took about three-and-a-half to four weeks to harvest the wheat. The first summer, my cousin said that he would pay me $25 a day to drive a combine. At 16 years old, I enjoyed driving the combine so I didn’t think much of it at the time. The next summer he gave me a rais; $30 a day. Again, I loved driving the combine so I didn’t complain. 

    However, it was an itchy, dirty job. The days were at least 12 hours with some going beyond 16 hours, harvesting from 7:30 AM to 1:00 AM the following morning. Then to drive home, shower, and sleep, and be back to the field by 6:30 AM, to refuel and service the combine. At $30 a day divided by 16 hours, I was working about $1.88 an hour. That was well below the minimum wage which was $2.30 an hour. Even working at my dad’s garage, I was making $2.00 an hour. 

    Harvest field of wheat with a combine and wheat harvester at work.

    Did I feel that I was being ripped off? At the time, not really. I trusted my cousin was being fair with me. But, my dad said to me that he felt our cousins were taking advantage of me. Did we drive out to the field and start carrying our picket signs in protest to the  unfair wage? No! We did not. But, my dad taught me a lesson about how it’s not wise to work for your relatives. A lesson that I have never forgotten. 

    Do I carry any ill will toward my family? No! I wouldn’t trade those memories for the world and would probably do it all again. However, the lesson still remains in my mind especially as we study Genesis 31:1-7 (NKJV):

    1 Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has acquired all this wealth.” 2 And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and indeed it was not favorable toward him as before. 3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” 

    4 So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field, to his flock, 5 and said to them, “I see your father’s countenance, that it is not favorable toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me. 6 And you know that with all my might I have served your father. 7 Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God did not allow him to hurt me. 

    It seems that this was a case of love at first sight. When Jacob first met Rachel, he kissed her, and then he wept (Genesis 29:11). It didn’t matter that she was his first cousin. God didn’t address the issues of incest until much later. Jacob went to Rachel, he wanted her and was willing to work for her father in order to marry her. However, Rachel’s father, Laban, deceived Jacob and when the time came for Jacob to marry Rachel, Laban substituted his daughter Leah instead. After unknowingly having intercourse with her, Jacob discovered it was not Rachel and returned to Laban saying “why have you deceived me?”

    Laban agreed to give Rachel to Jacob on the basis that he would work for him for another seven years (Genesis 29:25-27). However, as time passes and Jacob has almost finished his agreement, Laban begins to realize that Jacob is making him a lot of money so he contracts Jacob to work even longer. 

    The original agreement was (Genesis 30:31-33, NKJV): 

    31 So he [Laban] said, “what shall I give you?”

    And Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep your flocks: 32 Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from there all the speckled and spotted sheep, and all the brown ones among the lamps, and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and these shall be my wages. 33 So my righteousness will answer for me in time to come, when the subject of my wages comes before you: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the lamps, will be considered stolen, if it is with me.”

    It is evident that God blessed Jacob. Because, over time Jacob’s flocks turned out to be strong, and well fed compared to Laban’s flocks. Therefore, Laban’s other sons became involved in sharing their complaints (Genesis 31). The sons felt that Jacob was robbing them of the inheritance they’d receive from their father. Realizing the hostility, Jacob decides to leave, especially after God told him: 

    3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your father and grandfather and to your relatives there, and I will be with you.” (Genesis 31:3, NLT)
    Jacob Urging Leah and Rachel to Flee from Laban (1638) Pieter Symonsz Potter (Dutch, 1597–1652)
    Jacob Urging Leah and Rachel to Flee from Laban (1638)
    Pieter Symonsz Potter (Dutch, 1597–1652)

    At this time, Jacob felt he did not owe Laban anything. In fact, his own complain was: 

    6 You know how hard I have worked for your father, 7 but he has cheated me, changing my wages ten times. But God has not allowed him to do me any harm. (Genesis 31:6-7, NLT)

    “Cheated me,” is a strong phrase; “deceived” isn’t much better. But the point is, Jacob is telling his wife that her father took advantage of him. Whereas, depending on who you talk to, Laban or his sons, the question might be: who took advantage of who? 

    Then, Rachel and Leah list their own complaints (Genesis 31: 14-16, NLT): 

    14 Rachel and Leah responded, “That’s fine with us! We won’t inherit any of our father’s wealth anyway. 15 He has reduced our rights to those of foreign women. And after he sold us, he wasted the money you paid him for us. 16 All the wealth God has given you from our father legally belongs to us and our children. So go ahead and do whatever God has told you.”

    The women have their own reasons for their hostilities. With their belief that the Bible is based on a “patriarchal paradigm,” most women were considered lesser than men, with little of their own rights. Examining ancient culture, this is quite evident and true. It is certainly not an idea that is built upon righteousness, nor does it indicate any of God’s love being lost to women.

    Continuing with the story, Jacob and his family head off without telling Laban. When Laban catches up to them, he also airs his own complaint (Genesis 31:25-29, NLT): 

     25 Laban caught up with Jacob as he was camped in the hill country of Gilead, and he set up his camp not far from Jacob’s. 26 “What do you mean by deceiving me like this?” Laban demanded. “How dare you drag my daughters away like prisoners of war? 27 Why did you slip away secretly? Why did you deceive me? And why did you say you wanted to leave? I would have given you a farewell feast, with singing and music, accompanied by tambourines and harps. 28 Why didn’t you let me kiss my daughters and grandchildren and tell them good-bye? You have acted very foolishly! 29 I could destroy you, but the God of your father appeared to me last night and warned me, ‘Leave Jacob alone!’

    Based on what we know about Laban, it is pretty unlikely he would have thrown a farewell feast for his daughters and Jacob. Especially since we know that Laban was deceptive, it’s likely that he would have come up with another scheme. Additionally, Laban’s hostility toward them, reminding Jacob, “I could destroy you!” Yet, there’s one slight problem, or rather one big problem. A big God. An Almighty God. Who warns Laban, “leave Jacob alone!” The lesson here: It’s always good to have God on your side. 

    What do we learn from the challenges these families faced? From the story of Jacob and Laban, we gain insight into human relationships, ethics, perseverance, and God’s providence. 

    We learn patience and perseverance. Jacob worked for Laban for 20 years. Seven years for Rachel, another seven for Leah, and six more years for livestock. Despite the deceit and unfair treatment, Jacob persevered. This teaches us that achieving our goals often requires enduring difficult circumstances and remaining steadfast. 

    We learn the consequences of deception. Both Jacob and Laban engaged in deceptive practices. Jacob deceived his father, Isaac, to receive the blessing meant for Esau, and Laban deceived Jacob by giving him Leah instead of Rachel. These actions led to complicated family dynamics and strained relationships. 

    We learn God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite the human flaws and deceptive actions, God’s plan continued to unfold. God promised to bless Jacob and was faithful to that promise, even when Jacob faced difficulties. This teaches us that God’s plans are sovereign, and His faithfulness endures despite human failures. It reassures us that God can bring about good from our circumstances and remains in control even when things seem chaotic. 

    We learn how to work diligently and ethically. Jacob worked diligently for Laban, even when he was treated unfairly. This underscores the value of working hard and maintaining a strong work ethic, regardless of how others treat us. It also reminds us to trust that God sees out efforts and will reward us in His timing. 

    We learn how to set boundaries. Eventually, Jaco realized that he needed to separate from Laban to fulfill God’s plan for his life. He took his family and possessions and left. This teaches us the importance of setting boundaries in relationships, especially when those relationships are harmful or exploitative. It is crucial to recognize when it is time to move on for our well-being and to follow God’s direction for our lives. 

    We learn how to resolve conflict. The story also highlights the importance of resolving conflicts. Jacob and Laban eventually made a covenant to part ways peacefully (Genesis 31:44-54). This shows the importance of addressing conflicts directly and finding a resolution that allows both parties to move forward without lingering animosity. 

    We learn to have faith in God. When leaving Laban, Jacob prayed and relied on God to protect him from Laban’s potential retaliation. This teaches us the importance of placing our faith and dependence on God, especially when facing uncertain or challenging situations. 

    We learn God’s blessings amidst challenges. Jacob prospered greatly. This illustrates that God’s blessings can come even in challenging circumstances. It encourages us to remain faithful and trust that God can and will bless us, sometimes in unexpected ways. 

    You might wonder “what if?” What if Jacob had not worked for his father-in-law? What if he had just gracefully asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage? Would there have been a better relationship between these two men, eventually? We know that within the family, the human family as well as the family of God that there are oftentimes conflict. Conflicts occur with people collaborating with people. Our communion with God can be a place for resolving conflicts. When we worship with others, we come together to remember our Lord Jesus Christ. Being reminded that no conflict should keep us from him, as he also instructed us to love one another. 

    Sermon Title: Why You Should Never Work For Your Relatives | Sermon: June 2, 2024, Shubert Christian Church, Shubert, NE