In this week’s message, we explore the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms—and the surprising promise of a kingdom that will never end. From the Babylonian exile to Pentecost, we’re reminded that God is building something new through Christ: a people united not by nation or power, but by grace, baptism, and the Holy Spirit. Join us as we reflect on the powerful truth that no matter what kingdoms rise or fall, God is with us, God is for us, and His kingdom stands forever.

Primary Old Testament Texts

• Genesis 45: 5–8 — Joseph explaining that God sent him to Egypt to preserve life during the famine. Used to show God working through nations and rulers for His purposes.
• Jeremiah 25: 9 — “I will summon… my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon…” Used to illustrate God using foreign empires to discipline Israel.
• Isaiah 45: 1 — God calling Cyrus “his anointed” and using him to subdue nations. Referenced to show God working through rulers outside Israel.
• Isaiah 21: 2 — “Elam, attack! Media, lay siege!” Used in the context of empires rising and falling under God’s sovereignty.
• Isaiah 49: 6 — “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles…” A key verse explaining Israel’s role in bringing salvation to the nations through the Messiah.
• Daniel 2: 44 — God establishing a kingdom that “will never be destroyed.” Central to the sermon’s contrast between earthly empires and God’s eternal kingdom.

New Testament References

• The Gospel According to John 18: 36 — Jesus: “My kingdom is not of this world.” Used to explain the radically different nature of Christ’s kingdom.
• The Gospel According to Matthew 28: 19–20 — The Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” Framed as the mission of God’s new kingdom after Christ’s resurrection.
• Acts of the Apostles 2:1 –41 — Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit, speaking in many languages, Peter’s sermon, and the baptism of 3,000 people. This is one of the sermon’s central texts.
• Acts of the Apostles 8: 26–39 — Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, especially the eunuch’s question: “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” Used to emphasize the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom.
• Psalms 46:1 –7 — “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble…” Used to reinforce the permanence and safety of God’s kingdom.

In this week’s message, we journey through the story of Jacob and Esau, the prophecy of Obadiah, and the parable of the Good Samaritan to discover a surprising truth: God continually works through the unexpected. As we wrestle with boundaries, favoritism, and who deserves our love, we’re challenged to trust a God who constantly extends grace farther than we imagine. Join us as we explore how God shows up in surprising places—and calls us to love beyond our comfort zones.

Primary Sermon Texts

• Obadiah 1: 18 — “Jacob will be a fire and Joseph a flame; Esau will be stubble…” This verse anchors the sermon’s discussion of the Edomites (descendants of Esau) and God’s judgment on those who rejoiced over Israel’s downfall.
• Genesis 25: 21–26 — Rebecca’s pregnancy with Jacob and Esau, including the prophecy that “the older will serve the younger.” Used to frame the recurring biblical theme of God choosing the unexpected.

Genesis Narrative References (discussed, not fully quoted)

• Genesis 25: 29–34 — Esau selling his birthright for stew.
• Genesis 27 — Jacob deceiving Isaac and stealing Esau’s blessing.
• Genesis 32–33 — Jacob wrestling with God, being renamed Israel, and reconciling with Esau.

New Testament Gospel Text

• The Gospel According to Luke 10: 25–37 — The parable of the Good Samaritan, including:
  • “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
  • “Love the Lord your God…” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (quoting the law)
  • “Who is my neighbor?” and Jesus’ parable of radical mercy across boundaries.
  • “Go and do likewise.”

Additional Biblical Themes / Allusions

• Genesis Cain and Abel (Genesis 4) — briefly referenced in relation to God repeatedly choosing the “lesser” or unexpected person.
• The Gospel According to Matthew 2: 1–18 — King Herod and the massacre of infants, connected to Herod’s Edomite lineage.

The sermon’s main biblical arc was: Obadiah → Jacob & Esau (Genesis) → the Good Samaritan (Luke 10), all pointing to the idea that God continually works through the unexpected and calls us to love beyond our boundaries.

Pastor Scott also referenced:

• Maccabean history / the Maccabean Revolt (167 BC) — historical background explaining the lead-up to Roman rule and the rise of Herod.
• King Herod’s Edomite (Idumean) lineage — historical context tying Matthew’s nativity story back to Esau and Edom.

In this week’s message, we step into the raw honesty of Lamentations and explore what it means to grieve, complain, and wrestle honestly with pain before God. Through reflections on revenge, forgiveness, and the surprising freedom of lament, we’re reminded that while hurt can tempt us toward bitterness, God invites us to bring every grievance to Him and rediscover His faithfulness. Join us as we learn how honest lament can become a pathway to healing, hope, and grace.

Primary Sermon Texts

• Lamentations 3: 10–20 — The vivid imagery of suffering and lament (“like a bear lying in wait,” “broken my teeth with gravel,” “my splendor is gone”). This is the sermon’s main emotional anchor.
• Lamentations 3: 21–26 — “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope… because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed… great is your faithfulness.” The sermon’s movement from lament to hope centers on this passage.

New Testament References

• Romans 12: 19 — “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath… ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Used to frame the discussion on revenge, grievance, and surrendering vengeance to God.
• Hebrews 4: 14–16 — Jesus as the High Priest who sympathizes with our weakness and invites us to approach the throne of grace with confidence. Used to emphasize that Christ understands suffering and lament personally.

Main Book Reference

• The Science of Revenge (https://a.co/d/00OLEf1q) — discussed extensively as a framework for understanding revenge and grievance as a kind of addiction driven by dopamine and repetitive mental “trials” against those who hurt us. Pastor Scott used it to connect the themes of lament, vengeance, and forgiveness in Lamentations to modern psychology.

Additional Resource Mentioned

• The Miracle Court (app/resource by James Kimmel Jr.: https://www.miraclecourt.com/app-1) — mentioned near the end of the sermon as a practical tool to work through grievances, forgiveness, and the temptation toward revenge by reframing how we process conflict.