The insight from this weekend could be summed up by saying "bricks from straw." It comes from the story in Exodus where Pharaoh withholds straw (an ingredient in brick making in Egypt back in that time) and forces the Hebrew slaves into oppression. Interpreted this could mean we have certain needs, resources are diminished, and demands are increased. This is a real formula for oppression.
We see it in the Exodus story. We could see it in the American Revolution. We see it throughout history. Anytime some tyrant is in power and seeks to maintain what they have by oppressing people they are resorting to "bricks without straw." One observation is that whenever this happens rather than ensuring that the oppressed people are "kept in line" the seeds of freedom are being planted.
The whole "bricks without straw" idea may also be seen in our personal lives. There are factors that line up to press us into a mold or life that God never intended. Needs persist, resources diminish, demands increase.
The good news is that Jesus Christ is our sure source - God meets us at the point of our every need - The Lord is more than sufficient to empower us to meet the demands of the day.
That was the main point from today's sermon. I hope everyone has been able to celebrate the tremendous gift of freedom we enjoy as citizens of the United States. I trust you are being renewed and ready to step back to work, worship and service. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
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