Today, we look at a Day 1 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “From Generation to Generation.” We also welcome Pastor Justin Lingenfelter, pastor at United In Christ Lutheran Church, West Milton, as a writer. Pastor Justin will serve as our Chaplain to the Staff this summer at camp.
Prayer: Joy-filled God, nothing is too wonderful for you. When we can’t help but laugh at the goodness you prepare, remind us of your ever-unfolding story of life and love for your people. May we walk with your joy, sharing your wonderful news with all the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Reading: Genesis 18:1-15 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Sarah’s story might just be one of the most compelling stories out of scripture. Her story is one that almost seems out of place in the narrative to this point, yet it speaks volumes about the ways in which we sometimes react when God is on the move. Like those who went before her, Sarah has been given a promise alongside her husband, Abraham, that despite their aging states and their seemingly futile prior attempts, the couple will have a child together and God will make their descendants as innumerable as the stars in the sky. Like the promises made (and delivered) to Noah, here God stakes God’s claim with this aging couple to guarantee an unprecedented series of fortunate events for them. But it’s just too good to be true. The news is so unexpected, so wonderful, in fact, that Sarah can’t help but laugh at the plans God has for her! In fact, the plan as God has enumerated is so outlandish to Sarah that she tries taking matters into her own hand, making for a horrific plan gone awry with her servant Hagar (with repercussions into which God still manages to deliver fresh and lasting promises, mind you). Now, here in this text that welcomes divine strangers into their presence, Sarah and Abraham are met once again with the promise of God being laid out for them. Yet, the possibility that God prescribes for Sarah and Abraham is so impossible in Sarah’s mind that she can’t even look at it with a straight face. Her laughter at once seems overwhelming, obstinate, and yet hope-filled. Now, that’s something I can relate to. When it seems that God is laying out plans that seem downright impossible, that seem too grand, too outlandish, that seem too good to be true, maybe all that we have left is to laugh it out. So, laugh on and see what God can do! --Justin Lingenfelter
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