Exodus Part 18: The Sign of Blood

Sermon Texts:

Genesis 4:8-12

Luke 4:16-21

Exodus 7:14-25

Today we look at what is traditionally known as the first plague in which the Nile River is turned to blood. However, I argue we should use the term sign instead of plague because signs are symbols that reveal information. In this case, we learn something about YHWH. Along the way we will begin to study the issue of the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart as well as learn about different conceptions of the brushtail possum in Australia and New Zealand. We also study blood as a symbol and why this sign may be a bit more complex than traditionally read.

Exodus Part 17: Snakes or Dragons?

Sermons Texts:

Genesis 1:20-21

1 Corinthians 15:54-58

Exodus 7:8-13

Todays sermon is on the confrontation between Moses and Aaron and Pharaoh’s magicians. Aaron throws down his staff which transforms into a serpent. However, I argue that the staff actually transforms into a creature much more incredible than a serpent but our modern translations are too timid to say so.

Along the way we look at the function of the chaos monster in ancient near eastern mythology and how the Hebrew scriptures challenge this view. Then we finish by reading Paul’s take on the defeat of the ultimate dark power, death, and how that victory shapes the way we live in the world now.