Lot and His Daughters by Antonio Bellucci (c. 1680)
Antonio Bellucci (1654–1726) was an Italian soldier who became a painter of the Rococo period and was best known for his work in England, Germany, and Austria. He was one of the many Venetian-trained artists of his time, including Ricci, Tiepolo, Amigoni, and others, who sought commissions north of Italy, providing patrons with the then-popular Italianate grand-manner frescoes for private palaces.
This is an autograph painting by Bellucci dated circa 1680; the subject, Lot and his daughters, is the famous one taken from Genesis 19:30-38. Lot escaped with his two daughters from destruction of Sodom took shelter in a cave. The daughters were convinced that they were the only survivors in the world to perpetuate the human race, so they planned to get their father drunk and seduce him on two consecutive nights.
As a result, a child was born to each of them. The oldest daughter conceived Moab, father of the Moabites. The youngest one conceived Ben-Ammi, father of the Ammonites. This subject was widely interpreted by the painting of the seventeenth century because it provided the pretext for the representation of the woman’s femininity and, sometimes, the female nude. The vibrant colors together with the dramatic contrast between the heightened senses of the daughters and the inebriated state of their old father are elements both dear to the Baroque culture.
Call to Worship – Galatians 5:16-26
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Invocation
Creator and Ruler of the Earth, we lift up our voices, our hearts, and our lives to You in praise. Help us to worship You in spirit and in truth. Uphold the weary, for whom praise may be very difficult. Humble the strong, for whom “alleluia” may be too easy. Creator and Ruler of the Earth, continue to form us into Your new creation, that we might welcome You to more fully become the ruler of our hearts and minds. Through Him who came as a servant, and who now reigns over all creation: Jesus, our Christ. Amen.
The Solid Rock
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, his covenant, his blood Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
Words & Music: Edward Mote
CCLI # 2487144
Children’s Sermon
Prayer and Intercession
O THOU MOST HIGH,
Creator of the ends of the earth,
Governor of the universe,
Judge of all men,
Head of the church,
Saviour of sinners;
your greatness is unsearchable,
your goodness infinite,
your compassions unfailing,
your providence boundless,
your mercies ever new.
We bless you for the words of salvation.
How important, suitable, encouraging
are the doctrines, promises, and invitations
of the gospel of peace!
We are lost: but in it you hast presented to us
a full, free and eternal salvation;
weak: but here we learn that help is found in
One that is mighty,
poor: but in him we discover unsearchable riches,
blind: but we find he has treasures of wisdom
and knowledge.
We thank you for your unspeakable gift.
Your Son is our only refuge, foundation, hope,
confidence;
We depend upon his death,
rest in his righteousness,
desire to bear his image;
May his glory fill our minds,
his love reign in our affections,
his cross inflame us with ardour.
Let us as Christians fill our various situations in life,
escape the snares to which they expose us,
discharge the duties that arise from our
circumstances,
enjoy with moderation their advantages,
improve with diligence their usefulness,
And may every place and company we are in
be benefited by us.
The Gospel – Sixth Day Morning from The Valley of Vision
Please take a few moments to pray for:
- Chelsea Mends-Cole
- Brady Adams
- The Paradee Family
- Kevin Fleming
- Donna Waguespack
- Healthcare workers
- Other personal concerns
Scripture Reading – Genesis 19:30-38
Lot and His Daughters
30 Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar. He and his two daughters lived in a cave. 31 One day the older daughter said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is no man around here to give us children—as is the custom all over the earth. 32 Let’s get our father to drink wine and then sleep with him and preserve our family line through our father.”
33 That night they got their father to drink wine, and the older daughter went in and slept with him. He was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.
34 The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Last night I slept with my father. Let’s get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in and sleep with him so we can preserve our family line through our father.” 35 So they got their father to drink wine that night also, and the younger daughter went in and slept with him. Again he was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.
36 So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. 37 The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab; he is the father of the Moabites of today. 38 The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today.
Sermon
Lewd and Lascivious Conduct: Lessons from a Regrettable Life – Rev. Jason R. McConnell
There is a Redeemer
There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God’s own Son,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Holy One.
Thank you, O my Father, for giving us your Son
And leaving your Spirit ‘til the work on earth is done.
Jesus, my Redeemer, name above all names,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Hope for sinners slain.
Thank you, O my Father, for giving us your Son
And leaving your Spirit ‘til the work on earth is done.
When I stand in glory, I will see his face
And there I’ll serve my King forever In that holy place.
Thank you, O my Father, for giving us your Son
And leaving your Spirit ‘til the work on earth is done.
Thank you, O my Father, for giving us your Son
And leaving your Spirit ‘til the work on earth is done.
Words and music by Melody Green
© 1982 Birdwing Music
CCLI # 2487144