Connecting the Texts
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33
Joseph in Genesis 37, Paul in Romans 10, and Jesus walking on the water in Matthew all seem to be utterly disconnected stories from the initial reading. One illustrates a family weakened by jealousy, one puts forward a theological account of salvation, and one tells of a miracle at the Sea of Galilee. All three, however, encourage us to reflect on trusting God’s purposes in situations that seem frightening and perilous.
The story in Genesis revolves around the life of Joseph, the inheritance-receiving favorite son whom the brothers despise. Hatred turns to violence as Joseph’s brothers remove his robe and throw him into a pit, and ultimately sell him into slavery. Joseph’s prospects are bleak. But Scripture repeatedly affirm, God‘s power works through loss, betrayal, and suffering. What appears to be the end of Joseph‘s story will in turn be the method by which God keeps many alive. God’s providence is ever working in the background, far ahead of anyone’s knowledge.
Paul reminds us of another piece of God’s work in Romans 10. It is not by human efforts (or religious achievement) that we reach righteousness. Salvation depends on everyone’s trust in Christ and the declaration that he is Lord. Paul quotes Isaiah 53:1 to assure us that God‘s saving word is within everyone’s reach. It is not reserved for the select few but is available to everyone who believes in him. We all call on the same Lord who is gracious to all. But Paul adds his own word of reminder to be heard. ‘“How, then, can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear unless someone preaches to them?” God’s saving purposes are realized as God employs faithful messengers of salvation to proclaim the message.
Matthew 14 presents a different but complimentary picture. The disciples are in the boat on the Sea of Galilee. They are caught in the heavy wind, but Jesus walks across the water to talk to them. “Catching them up with the boat, they were terrified by seeing him walking on the water. He said to them ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Peter will take courage and step out across the water. He walks for a moment, but focusing on the wind and the waves, he becomes afraid and starts to sink.
“Lord, save me!” Jesus holds out his hand, rescuing him. His faith was real; yet incomplete. Peter’s faith is not insufficient because of the lack of fear, but the decision not to focus on Christ in the middle of the storm.
Each of these texts reveal a trustworthy God through every life stage. Joseph is unable to understand why betrayal will be used in God’s larger plan. Paul declares how God has opened salvation to all through Jesus. Peter learns that the Lord is ever present in the storm. Again and again, God‘s people are called to trust before their knowledge to make sense of it all.
We experience disappointment like Joseph, we wrestle with doubt like Peter, and live the responsibility of sharing hope like Paul’s early readers. God’s presence exceeds our fear, God’s plan exceeds our setbacks, and God’s grace is available to anyone who calls upon him.
FOR FURTHER EXPLORATION
How does Joseph’s experience encourage us to trust God during seasons of suffering or injustice?
What does Paul teach us about our responsibility to share the good news with others?
When have you experienced a moment, where fear challenged your trust in Christ?