The one that you're counting on can surprise you. I relate the children's story of "Big Wolf and Little Wolf" thanks to Maria Popova's Brain Pickings blog. Moses counts on God, and vice versa. Then Jesus shows how covenant works by using a coin trick.
"Big Wolf and Little Wolf" breaks down the complexity of the bonds of relationships in a children's story. Like parables, such stories lack the distractions and focus on basics. The longing for another without whom we feel diminished carries into scripture.
As God's people are to set out on the last leg of their journey to the Promised Land, Moses seems to be freaking out about who will go with him. Having had God along on the journey from the beginning, Moses is insistent that God provide an answer. Separation is a painful thought for Moses. Besides, this people is now identified with God and God's promise. Does God hint that God needs Moses, too? Like Big Wolf and Little Wolf?
In Matthew, Jesus finds new challengers in his time in Jerusalem, again seeking to trap him and trip him up. On the question of whether it is lawful (read "faithful") to pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus does a coin trick in response. Looking at this carefully, we see the difference between contract and covenant - one a utilitarian matter, the other a relational one.
Enjoy the story of "Big Wolf and Little Wolf" in the sermon video (below a picture from the title book), and the rest of the message about who you're counting on, plus note the file downloads beneath the video panel.
"Big Wolf and Little Wolf" breaks down the complexity of the bonds of relationships in a children's story. Like parables, such stories lack the distractions and focus on basics. The longing for another without whom we feel diminished carries into scripture.
As God's people are to set out on the last leg of their journey to the Promised Land, Moses seems to be freaking out about who will go with him. Having had God along on the journey from the beginning, Moses is insistent that God provide an answer. Separation is a painful thought for Moses. Besides, this people is now identified with God and God's promise. Does God hint that God needs Moses, too? Like Big Wolf and Little Wolf?
In Matthew, Jesus finds new challengers in his time in Jerusalem, again seeking to trap him and trip him up. On the question of whether it is lawful (read "faithful") to pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus does a coin trick in response. Looking at this carefully, we see the difference between contract and covenant - one a utilitarian matter, the other a relational one.
Enjoy the story of "Big Wolf and Little Wolf" in the sermon video (below a picture from the title book), and the rest of the message about who you're counting on, plus note the file downloads beneath the video panel.
| 10-22-17-ff-answers.pdf |
| 10-22-17-counting_on_whom.pdf |