Surprise

Surprise is a word we use to describe our reaction to something unexpected.  If we have had a number of unpleasant such events, or even a few profound ones, it is understandable that we might lack a certain amount of enthusiasm over the prospect of being surprised.  In fact, in some cases, those experiences unduly influence how we respond to surprise in general, even the good ones.  This is particularly the case if it involves having to think about things in new ways, and even more so if we are heavily invested in the ways of thinking or doing that our "surprise" challenges.  And of course, if having things all under control and all figured out is what we rely upon for our world to be OK, then surprises, be they good or bad, are not always welcome.  

Interestingly enough, when we open the pages of scripture and look at the lives of the people whose stories are recorded there, one of the things that quickly becomes apparent, is that surprise is everywhere!  God is constantly working in unanticipated and surprising ways, and in the process engendering a wide range of responses from great joy to consternation.  But what we also see is the huge difference it makes as to how we respond to the surprising activity of God.

That's what Pastor Ken explores in the sermon this week, as he reflects a bit on some surprising events in the story of Abraham, and a number of other passages of scripture that give us some insights into how surprised is experienced, and how important it is to respond to it appropriately.  If you would like to listen to the sermon again, or perhaps for the first time, you can access our sermon library by clicking here,. or going to our livestream webpage where you can find a recording of the entire service.