Bethel CRC Lacombe

Today we will reflect on Psalm 46, Fortress and Refuge. Most of us, when we think of Psalm 46, think of the words, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It’s the context that makes these words so important. The psalmist amid uproar and chaos, and in spite, or even because of the chaos, he hears the Lord invite him to “Be still, and know that I am God ."

This Lenten season we will be reflecting on the Feasts of Israel. We continue by reflecting on Leviticus 23:9-14, The Feast of First Fruits. This is a feast that calls us to a deep trust in God. By offering God our first-fruits, we are saying to God, “We trust you that you will provide for us and send the rain and sun as needed so our crops can grow, be harvested and our people will be able to eat.” This is also a festival of anticipation and excitement as the hard work of harvest is beginning and the fruit of the people’s labours are being realized.

This week Pastor Jake is beginning a short summer series, looking at trees in the Bible. Trees are found in both the first and last chapters of the Bible and play a role in so many stories. They provide us with so many things that bless our lives: sap, wood, bark, fruit, fresh air, and so much more. We will begin by reflecting on Genesis 2, The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil.

• Luke 16:1-15

Today we reflect on Genesis 17, The Covenant of Circumcision. This covenant is made with Abraham where God promises to make Abraham the father of many nations. The Lord makes it clear that the child He has promised Abraham will come through Sarah, who will be the mother of the promised child, not Ishmael, who has just been born to the slave girl Hagar. God doesn’t forget Ishmael and promised to make him the father of 12 rulers; a counterpoint to the 12 tribes of Israel that will later come from Abraham through the children of his grandson Jacob’s children. Circumcision is the sign God chooses as a sign of fruitfulness and trust.