Divided - Genesis 25:19-34 - Proper 10 - 7-12-20

Sermon podcast from our 7-12-20 online worship service - St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL. Genesis 25:19-34

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Sermon podcast from today at St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL. Genesis 25:19-34. Features a dramatic reading of the Jacob wrestling an angel story from Steve Case's book, God Up Close.
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Sneaky

This week's Bible reflection (Siblings) introduced a 'Thank you Steve Case!' dramatic sermon about Jacob and Esau.  It was also recorded with my backup recording system - which was near an air conditioning source -- lotsa noise. 
"Sneaky" wind-noise enhanced podcast

Siblings

Esau and Jacob didn’t like each other. Before they were born, they fought. When they were being born, they fought. Jacob came out grabbing at Esau’s heel. Their parents didn’t treat them equally and they lived their lives in a state of conflict.

Jacob schemed to get the better of Esau. One day he did. Esau traded his birthright for a meal.

I feel a connection with Esau. He worked hard. I think he was honest and likely very kind.

I have a completely opposite feeling about Jacob. He schemed. He was dishonest. He was sneaky.

I don’t like the conflict. I don’t like the sneakiness. I don’t like the beginning of this story of Jacob and Esau.

And thought I feel a connection with Esau, I know that I have and likely will again act like Jacob.

I’m glad it’s not the end of the story.

Sneaky

This week's Bible reflection (This is going to be a problem) introduces my uneasiness with this week's Bible reading.  My friend Steve sent a timely message, "Dude, I have a Jacob story." and now the sermon is going to rock.  Thanks Steve!  (Please buy his books)  Everything has come together in what is now Sunday's sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL.
"Sneaky" text
"Sneaky" podcast 

This is going to be a problem

Here's this week's Bible reflection from Genesis 25:19-34:

Esau and Jacob didn’t like each other.  Before they were born, they fought.  When they were being born, they fought. Jacob came out grabbing at Esau’s heel.  Their parents didn’t treat them equally and they lived their lives in a state of conflict.

Jacob schemed to get the better of Esau.  One day he did.  Esau traded his birthright for a meal.

I feel a connection with Esau.  He worked hard.  I think he was honest and likely very kind.

I have a completely opposite feeling about Jacob.  He schemed.  He was dishonest.  He was sneaky.

And in the end, everything went Jacob’s way.

I don’t like the conflict.  I don’t like the sneakiness.  I don’t like the beginning of this story of Jacob and Esau.

And thought I feel a connection with Esau, I know that I have and likely will again act like Jacob.

I’m glad it’s not the end of the story.