The power of God is often best seen in difficult times. Sometimes the power of God is also seen not in hard times but in his promises. Promises that humans have had hard time understanding, but promises that are fulfilled by the Almighty time and time again. Here is a pattern to look for in your textual studies. Problem -> Complication -> Resolution. Let's note some examples:
problem: Sarah is unable to have children (Gen. 11.30)
complication: God promises innumerable seed (13.16; 15.5)
resolution: Isaac is born (21)
Exodus 14
problem: Israel is trapped between the sea and the desert
complication: Pharaoh learns of it and has 2nd thoughts about releasing Israel so he sends his military after them
resolution: Lord divides the Sea
NT theology
problem: everyone has sinned (Rom 3.23)
complication: God so loves the world
resolution: sacrificial death of Jesus
This pattern allows the text to be presented at face value while also offering a convenient homiletic. Most importantly, it draws us to God, the problem solver and Almighty!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment