“Spiritual Struggles” – Rev. Susannah Currie

In this sermon, delivered at the New Jerusalem Church (Swedenborgian) at Bridgewater, MA on March 19, 2017, the Rev. Susannah Currie explores the theme of spiritual struggle, as illustrated by the mythical struggle between Jacob and the “angel” in Genesis 32:

“Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans,and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him.”

-Genesis 32:24-29*

Click below for an AUDIO version of Rev. Currie’s sermon:

https://soundcloud.com/pastorsusannah/spiritual-struggles

Rev. Susannah Currie has served as pastor of the Bridgewater New Jerusalem Church since 2009. She served three terms as Treasurer of the General Convention of Swedenborgian Churches and five years as Recording Secretary for the denomination. She holds a BA in Accounting, a Masters of Divinity degree, a certificate in Swedenborgian Studies and is a Board Certified Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains.

*New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.