Mark Sorensen Sometimes we have to go back to how the story begins, to remember how it all ends.
I loved, loved, loved the launch of our latest Harvest series, “Long Story Short,” that began last Sunday. Remember, in this series we’re moving through the Bible in six movements: Creation, the Fall, Israel, Jesus, the Church, and the New Creation. The purpose here is twofold: one, to help us understand how the Bible can be viewed as a whole; and two, should we encounter anyone who has a question as to how this ancient book and the smaller books within it fit together, we would have the ability to help connect the pieces.
As your pastor, that’s a win on both fronts.
Last week, we looked at Creation and where it all began. Remember how the Creation story ended: “Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.” (Genesis 2:25) As the Creation story ends, “shame” had no place in God’s creation story. Wouldn’t it be great if that’s where the story ended? Of course, it doesn’t. In fact, this Sunday, I am starting with Genesis 2:25 but then moving into Genesis 3 and the Fall.
Where is redemption found in this broken moment in humanity? That’s this Sunday. But before we move into that, keep in mind where last Sunday’s sermon began: “It’s important to look back to how the story began to find the hope in how it all ends.”
The story begins with God in relationship with His Creation, and His Creation living as a holy and spotless people minus shame. You know, it’s still God’s desire for His people today, right? In fact, go back to another garden found in John’s gospel where Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane and look at what He asks His Father for:
I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one — as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. (John 17:21)
Christ’s prayer from the garden was asking His Father that we, God’s people, would be one as He was one with His Heavenly Father. And don’t miss the next part: “so that” the world will see Christ in us and believe.
Sure, the snake slithers into God’s plan. Yes, the circumstances may look different, but one thing remains the same: We’re still in relationship with our Creator, and we’re called to be so fully His that people see Christ and the reflection of our Creator in the way we live in the world.
Sunday, let’s dig deeper into God’s story.
Let’s talk snakes, apples, and where exactly does God go when things go south? Great question to ask. See you Sunday in the Harvest!
